Intermittent fasting, for the purposes of weight loss, has taken over the dieting world. Instead of continuously restricting your diet on a daily basis, intermittent fasting entails intermittent periods of substantial energy restriction combined with periods of normal eating.
A recent study published in the March 2018 issue of the British Journal of Nutrition compared the effects of intermittent and continuous energy-restrictive diet groups on postprandial glucose levels and fat metabolism, following a 5% matched weight loss.
Summary of Results
1. The elapsed time to achieve 5% weight loss, and the reduction of insulin in the blood were not different between diet groups
2. Reductions in triglycerides (the storage form of energy) and C-peptides (a byproduct of insulin production) were greater following intermittent versus continuous energy-restrictive diets
These findings highlight differences between both diet approaches, including a superiority of intermittent fasting in postprandial reduction of triglycerides in the blood.
Reference
Antoni R, Johnston KL, Collins AL, Robertson MD. Intermittent v. continuous energy restriction: differential effects on postprandial glucose and lipid metabolism following matched weight loss in overweight/obese participants. British Journal of Nutrition 2018; 119(5): 507-516.
Written by Nicole Lindel ~ Nutrition Education Master’s Student at Columbia University