Friday 09/January/2026 – 10:01 AM
to attest Fasting Intermittent eating, or time-restricted eating, has been popular in recent years as a tool for losing weight and improving overall health, but a recent German study suggests that its benefits may be more limited than many think.
Intermittent fasting may not provide the health benefits it advertises
The study, which included 31 overweight or obese women, divided the participants into two groups: the first ate their meals between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the second between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m., maintaining their usual calorie intake for two weeks.
The results showed weight loss in all participants, but no clear improvements were recorded in blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, or other cardiometabolic indicators. The researchers concluded that the advertised benefits of intermittent fasting may be more related to the actual reduction in calories rather than the timing of food intake itself.
The researchers also observed changes in the participants’ circadian rhythms, such as sleep and wakefulness, but the impact on overall health is still unclear.
Dr. Jason Fung, a Canadian physician and researcher, told Fox News that the study is small in size, and the intervention is relatively short, so it is difficult to draw broad conclusions. He stressed that the participants fasted for 16 hours a day, longer than the usual range of 12-14 hours, which may have affected the results.
For her part, nutritionist Lauren Harris Pincus advised applying time-restricted fasting only when carefully planning meals, especially early in the day, to ensure obtaining essential nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, fibre, calcium and vitamin D.
The study indicated a need for longer, more comprehensive research that includes diverse populations, taking into account factors such as chronic stress, sleep quality, medications, hormones, and basic metabolic health.
Meanwhile, other experts have noted that intermittent fasting, when applied correctly and sustained, can improve insulin regulation, reduce inflammation, and support fat loss, in addition to improving cardiovascular health, but these benefits require ongoing commitment and consideration of each person’s individual factors.
