A TEAM of scientists from the University of Granada (UGR), the Public University of Navarra (UPNA), and the CIBER research network, all in Spain has demonstrated that intermittent fasting is an effective and safe method for weight loss and cardiovascular health improvement in individuals with obesity. Their findings emphasised the benefits of consuming the last meal before 5 pm and fasting overnight, particularly for reducing subcutaneous abdominal fat.
Spain faces alarming obesity rates, with 70% of men and 50% of women overweight. This contributes to increased risks of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, putting immense strain on public health systems. Traditional calorie-restriction diets often fail due to poor adherence, leading researchers to explore alternative approaches like intermittent fasting.
In a 12-week randomised trial, 197 participants aged 30–60 were assigned to four groups: usual treatment, early fasting (9 am–5 pm), late fasting (2 pm–10 pm), or self-selected fasting (typically 12 pm–8 pm). All groups received standard Mediterranean diet education. While fasting groups experienced greater weight loss (averaging 3–4 kg) than those with traditional intake windows, early fasting yielded the most significant reduction in subcutaneous abdominal fat and better glucose regulation.
Using continuous glucose monitors, researchers found early fasting improved overnight and fasting glucose levels, crucial for preventing diabetes and metabolic disorders. “Eating earlier allows the body more time to process nutrients, enhancing blood sugar regulation,” explained the authors.
The study recorded no serious adverse events, with participants maintaining high adherence rates. The research team noted that these findings position intermittent fasting as a viable strategy for managing obesity and associated health risks.
This large-scale trial underscores intermittent fasting’s potential to stabilise biological rhythms and improve public health outcomes. While further research is needed to optimise fasting protocols, these results mark a promising step towards more sustainable and effective obesity treatments.
Victoria Antoniou, EMJ
Reference
Dote-Montero M et al. Effects of early, late and self-selected time-restricted eating on visceral adipose tissue and cardiometabolic health in participants with overweight or obesity: a randomized controlled trial. Nat Med. 2025;DOI:10.1038/s41591-024-03375-y.
