A new Australian study has found that intermittent fasting can be just as effective as traditional calorie-restricted diets for weight loss over an 18-month period. Researchers also reported that participants following intermittent fasting experienced less mental strain because they did not have to monitor calories at every meal.
The findings, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, suggest intermittent fasting could offer a practical long-term alternative for people who find it difficult to maintain conventional weight-loss diets.
Study Compared Two Weight-Loss Approaches
The research, conducted at the University of Adelaide in Australia, compared intermittent fasting with a traditional daily calorie-restriction diet over 18 months.
According to the study, participants in both groups achieved similar levels of weight loss. However, those practicing intermittent fasting reported feeling less burdened by the need to constantly count calories and restrict every meal.
Long-Term Adherence Remains a Challenge
Lead researcher Professor Leonie Heilbronn said many people stop following weight-loss diets not because they are ineffective, but because they are difficult to maintain over time.
Researchers noted that continuously tracking calories and limiting food intake at every meal can be mentally and emotionally demanding, making long-term adherence challenging for many individuals.
Intermittent Fasting May Be Easier for Some People
The study suggests intermittent fasting may be a suitable option for people who struggle with daily calorie counting or find conventional dieting difficult to sustain.
While the researchers emphasized that several dietary approaches can support weight loss, they said choosing a plan that people can follow consistently may be key to maintaining results over the long term.
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