Study on the effect of intermittent fasting on obesity

This study under Przemysław Domaszewski investigated the effectiveness of a six-week time-restricted eating (TRE) diet on weight loss, fat loss and visceral fat in overweight older men and women (65-74 years). A further aim was to assess the practical feasibility of TRE in this age group.

A total of 116 healthy, non-smoking participants were randomly divided into two groups: TRE group: fasting period of 16 hours daily (8:00 pm to 12:00 am); control group: diet remained unchanged. The changes in body weight and body composition were recorded using a SECA mBCA 515 analyzer.

The six-week TRE intervention led to significant weight loss in women and men. In men, a significant reduction in visceral fat and waist circumference was also observed. In women, neither changes in visceral fat nor in waist circumference were significant. Skeletal muscle mass remained unchanged in both groups. Adherence was very high: 99% of women and 98% of men consistently adhered to the TRE schedule.

A six-week 16:8 intermittent fasting strategy can effectively reduce body weight and visceral fat in overweight older men. Older women showed moderate weight loss, but without significant reduction in abdominal fat. The high adherence to the TRE rules speaks for the practical feasibility of this form of nutrition in everyday life.