Fasting vs. Calorie Restriction: Which is More Effective for Weight Loss and Health?
Research link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34135111/ Summary: Fasting offers no additional benefits over calorie restriction in terms of weight loss, fat reduction, or autophagy. Key Points: Comparison of the effects of 24-hour fasting and calorie restriction on metabolism and body composition. The fasting group showed weight loss but less fat reduction. The calorie restriction group showed greater reductions in both weight and fat. The group that fasted without calorie restriction had minimal weight and fat loss. No significant difference in autophagy-related gene expression between groups. No noticeable difference in cardiovascular health or metabolic regulation markers. Continuous calorie restriction is more effective for fat loss than fasting. Fasting shows no additional metabolic or cardiovascular health advantages. Fasting is not superior to calorie restriction in inducing autophagy. Evidence suggests fasting is not a magical weight loss tool. Conclusion: Fasting leads to less fat loss compared to calorie restriction. No difference in autophagy induction between the two methods. Calorie restriction is more effective for weight loss. No major differences in cardiovascular and metabolic health markers between the two. There is insufficient evidence that fasting is superior to calorie restriction.