“Intermittent fasting is a relatively recent approach to weight loss,” researchers explain regarding the phenomenon that has gone viral in recent years. “It involves periods where people eat little or no food – known as fasting – followed by periods where they eat normally. There are several types of intermittent fasting, such as eating only during a specific time each day, fasting on certain days of the week, or alternating between days of normal eating and days of very limited food intake,” they add. “This eating pattern has been observed to have benefits on some biological aspects, but it is unclear whether it is better than a conventional diet for weight loss in people who are obese or overweight” – researchers conclude.
A new review of available studies suggests intermittent fasting may not be more effective for weight loss than traditional dieting or making no changes to eating habits at all. The findings, released on February 16, 2026, add to the ongoing debate surrounding the popular eating pattern and its potential health benefits.
Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of voluntary fasting and non-fasting on a regular schedule. Researchers note that several variations exist, including restricting eating to a specific window each day, fasting for entire days each week, or alternating between days of normal eating and severely restricted calorie intake.
“There are several types of intermittent fasting,” researchers explained. “Such as eating only during a specific time each day, fasting on certain days of the week, or alternating between days in which one eats normally and days in which one eats very little.”
While intermittent fasting has been observed to impact certain biological processes, the review found no conclusive evidence that it leads to greater weight loss compared to other approaches. “This eating pattern has been observed to have benefits on some biological aspects, but it is unclear whether it is better than a conventional diet for weight loss in people who are obese or overweight,” researchers concluded. The findings underscore the importance of focusing on overall dietary quality and calorie intake, regardless of when meals are consumed.
