Articles

Obesity and overweight contribute significantly to cardiometabolic disorders worldwide. Traditional caloric restriction often faces challenges like poor adherence and rebound weight gain. Intermittent fasting (IF) offers an alternative approach that focuses on meal timing rather than quantity, including methods such as alternate-day fasting, the 5:2 diet, and time-restricted feeding. IF reduces energy intake and activates metabolic pathways that promote lipid oxidation, ketone production, and hormonal regulation for energy balance. It also influences AMPK and mTOR pathways, enhances autophagy, and aligns with circadian rhythms to improve glucose and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, IF positively modulates gut microbiota, enhancing insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis. Clinical studies indicate that IF effectively reduces body weight and fat mass while preserving lean muscle. It also improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and inflammation. However, variations in fasting protocols and limited long-term studies necessitate further research to assess its long-term safety and efficacy.