From a practical point of view, weight loss depends on the balance between calories eaten and calories used, along with sleep, stress, activity, and social habits. Methods that feel sustainable for a person are the ones most likely to produce lasting results. This review suggests intermittent fasting is one more tool among several rather than a silver bullet, which pushes clinicians and individuals to focus on patterns that fit daily life and support health beyond the scale.

If you care about long-term growth, functioning, and inclusion in health advice, the most useful questions are about who benefits from which approach and why. The full article explores subgroup findings and study designs that point toward those answers. Follow the link to learn how these results connect to maintaining energy, respecting diverse lifestyles, and designing realistic plans that help people thrive.
Intermittent fasting has become one of the most talked-about weight loss trends in recent years, promising dramatic results with simple changes to when you eat. But a major Cochrane review suggests the reality may be far less exciting. After analyzing 22 clinical trials involving nearly 2,000 adults, researchers found that intermittent fasting did not produce significantly more weight loss than standard diet advice or even no structured plan at all.