COMPARISON OF INTERMITTENT AND CONTINUOUS CALORIE RESTRICTION STRATEGIES IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE PATIENTS

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Obesity Research
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns associated with metabolic dysfunction.
• Calorie restriction is a common strategy for weight management, but its effects on body composition and muscle strength require further investigation.
• Both continuous and intermittent calorie restriction methods are explored for their efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Intermittent Fasting (IF) and Continuous Calorie Restriction (CCR) on metabolic, anthropometric, and muscle-related parameters in overweight and class 1 obese adults.
• To compare the efficacy of IF and CCR in improving metabolic health and body composition.
• To assess the impact of these dietary interventions on muscle strength.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 66 adult overweight or class 1 obese patients divided into IF, CCR, and control groups.
• Measurements included fat mass, basal metabolic rate, Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), handgrip strength, and walking speed.
• Data were collected at baseline and after a 6-month intervention period.

Main Results:

• Both IF and CCR groups showed significant reductions in weight, body mass index, fat mass, muscle mass, FFMI, and waist circumference compared to baseline.
• A statistically significant increase in handgrip strength was observed specifically in the IF group.
• Metabolic parameters were enhanced in both IF and CCR groups.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent Fasting and Continuous Calorie Restriction diets effectively improve metabolic functions and reduce body fat in overweight and obese individuals.
• While both diets may lead to a decrease in overall muscle mass, Intermittent Fasting demonstrates a unique benefit by increasing muscular strength.