The Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Weight Management and Metabolic Health in Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Project Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of intermittent fasting on weight management and metabolic health in obese individuals. The prevalence of obesity has been increasing globally, leading to various health complications. Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a dietary intervention for weight loss and improving metabolic health. This study systematically reviewed existing literature to analyze the effects of intermittent fasting on weight management and metabolic health outcomes in obese individuals. The review included studies published between 2010 and 2021, focusing on intermittent fasting interventions in obese adults. A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies from electronic databases. After screening and selection, a total of 20 studies were included in the final analysis. The findings of this systematic review revealed that intermittent fasting interventions were associated with significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in obese individuals. Moreover, intermittent fasting was found to improve metabolic parameters such as blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. Subgroup analyses based on different types of intermittent fasting protocols (e.g., alternate-day fasting, time-restricted feeding) showed varying effects on weight management and metabolic health outcomes. Furthermore, the duration and frequency of fasting periods appeared to influence the magnitude of these effects. This study also conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the pooled effect sizes of intermittent fasting on weight loss and metabolic health outcomes. The results of the meta-analysis supported the findings from the systematic review, indicating a significant overall effect of intermittent fasting on weight management and metabolic health improvement in obese individuals. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis provide robust evidence supporting the beneficial effects of intermittent fasting on weight management and metabolic health in obese individuals. These findings have important implications for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals seeking effective strategies for managing obesity and improving metabolic health. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and sustainability of intermittent fasting interventions in diverse populations.

Project Overview