A randomized pilot study comparing zero‐calorie alternate‐day fasting to daily caloric restriction in adults with obesity. Issue 9 (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Catenacci, Victoria A.; Pan, Zhaoxing; Ostendorf, Danielle; Brannon, Sarah; Gozansky, Wendolyn S.; Mattson, Mark P.; Martin, Bronwen; MacLean, Paul S.; Melanson, Edward L.; Troy Donahoo, William
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 24:Issue 9(2016)
• Page Start: 1874
• Page End: 1883
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.21581
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of alternate‐day fasting (ADF) and to compare changes in weight, body composition, lipids, and insulin sensitivity index (Si) with those produced by a standard weight loss diet, moderate daily caloric restriction (CR). Methods: Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2, age 18‐55) were randomized to either zero‐calorie ADF ( n = 14) or CR (−400 kcal/day, n = 12) for 8 weeks. Outcomes were measured at the end of the 8‐week intervention and after 24 weeks of unsupervised follow‐up. Results: No adverse effects were attributed to ADF, and 93% completed the 8‐week ADF protocol. At 8 weeks, ADF achieved a 376 kcal/day greater energy deficit; however, there were no significant between‐group differences in change in weight (mean ± SE; ADF −8.2 ± 0.9 kg, CR −7.1 ± 1.0 kg), body composition, lipids, or Si. After 24 weeks of unsupervised follow‐up, there were no significant differences in weight regain; however, changes from baseline in % fat mass and lean mass were more favorable in ADF. Conclusions: ADF is a safe and tolerable approach to weight loss. ADF produced similar changes in weight, body composition, lipids, and Si at 8 weeks and did not appear to increase risk for weight regain 24 weeks after completing the intervention.