Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity in recent years as a dietary approach for weight management and improving metabolic health. This thesis investigates the impact of intermittent fasting on metabolic health markers in overweight and obese individuals. The study aims to evaluate the effects of different IF protocols on key metabolic markers, such as insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and body composition. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, discussing the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key areas related to intermittent fasting, metabolic health markers, and obesity. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including study design, participant recruitment, intervention protocols, data collection methods, and statistical analysis procedures. The study sample will consist of overweight and obese individuals who will be randomly assigned to different IF protocols, such as alternate-day fasting, time-restricted feeding, or periodic fasting. Chapter Four presents the findings and results of the study, analyzing the impact of IF on metabolic health markers among the study participants. The discussion will explore the implications of the findings, compare results with existing literature, and address any limitations or challenges encountered during the research process. In Chapter Five, the conclusion and summary of the thesis will highlight the key findings, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of intermittent fasting as a dietary strategy for improving metabolic health in overweight and obese individuals.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigating the impact of intermittent fasting on metabolic health markers in overweight and obese individuals" aims to delve into the effects of intermittent fasting on various metabolic health markers in individuals who are overweight or obese. This research seeks to explore the potential benefits of incorporating intermittent fasting into the dietary regimen of individuals struggling with excess weight. Obesity and overweight are significant public health concerns worldwide, with associated risks such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Intermittent fasting has gained attention in recent years for its potential to improve metabolic health and aid in weight management. However, the specific impact of intermittent fasting on metabolic health markers in overweight and obese individuals remains an area that requires further investigation. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to provide a solid foundation of existing knowledge on intermittent fasting, metabolic health markers, obesity, and related topics. This will help in identifying gaps in the current understanding and guide the research objectives. The study will involve recruiting a sample of overweight and obese individuals who will be assigned to either an intermittent fasting group or a control group following a standard diet. Various metabolic health markers such as blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The research methodology will include detailed descriptions of the study design, participant recruitment criteria, intervention protocols, data collection methods, and statistical analysis plan. Ethical considerations will also be addressed to ensure the well-being and confidentiality of the participants. The findings of the study will be thoroughly analyzed and discussed in Chapter Four, highlighting any significant changes in metabolic health markers observed in the intermittent fasting group compared to the control group. Potential mechanisms underlying these effects will be explored, providing insights into the metabolic benefits of intermittent fasting in overweight and obese individuals. In conclusion, this research aims to contribute valuable insights into the impact of intermittent fasting on metabolic health markers in overweight and obese individuals. The results of this study may have implications for developing personalized dietary interventions to improve metabolic health and manage weight in this population.