INTERMITTENT FASTING: WHY IT MAY BE EASIER TO STICK TO THAN COUNTING CALORIES

For people who have tried and failed to stick with calorie-counting diets, new Australian research suggests intermittent fasting may offer a more sustainable path to weight loss.

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most talked-about approaches to weight loss, but new research suggests its biggest advantage may not be how much weight people lose, but how easy it is to stick with.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide found people following an intermittent fasting diet lost a similar amount of weight to those on a traditional calorie-restricted diet, but without feeling they needed to constantly monitor what they were eating.

The findings suggest intermittent fasting could be a useful alternative for people who struggle with the ongoing mental effort of conventional dieting.

Intermittent fasting may reduce the mental burden of dieting

The 18-month study followed more than 200 adults living with obesity, comparing intermittent fasting, continuous calorie restriction and standard healthy eating advice.

Participants following either intermittent fasting or a calorie-restricted diet lost an average of around seven kilograms over six months, significantly more than those following standard dietary advice.

However, researchers found those on the fasting plan didn't feel they had to continually think about restricting food or avoiding overeating to achieve those results.

By comparison, participants on the calorie-restricted diet reported needing to consciously monitor their eating, with those behavioural changes contributing to their weight loss.

Professor Leonie Heilbronn, from the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, said many diets work in the short term but can be difficult to maintain.

"The results of our study indicate intermittent fasting could offer an alternative pathway for people who find conventional dieting challenging," she said.

Could support long-term weight loss

Researchers also found participants following both structured diets reported improvements in wellbeing and symptoms of depression.

The findings suggest intermittent fasting and calorie restriction may promote weight loss through different psychological and behavioural pathways.

Professor Heilbronn said future research could help identify which people are most likely to benefit from each approach, paving the way for more personalised weight management strategies.

While intermittent fasting isn't suitable for everyone and medical advice should be sought before making significant dietary changes, the research suggests it may be a practical option for people who find traditional calorie-counting diets difficult to maintain over time.