New research has cast doubt over the effectiveness of intermittent fasting helping weight loss.
Scientists at John Hopkins University in the US monitored the dietary habits of over 500 adults over a six year period. They found that time restricted eating had little influence in terms of weight loss compared to traditional diets.
Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to celebrity influence. The trend, which involves abstaining from food at certain points in the day, has been promoted by figures such as Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian and Scarlett Johannson, reports Hull Live.
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However, eating less overall was identified as a crucial way to shed extra pounds. The study also found that calorie intake and frequent mealtimes were likely risk factors for increased weight.
The US team analysed electronic health records from three health systems in Maryland and Pennsylvania by creating a smartphone app named Daily24 for patients to log sleeping, eating and wake up time in real time over six months. Emails, text messages and notifications prompted use as much as possible during the first month and again during regular 'power weeks'.
Senior author Professor Wendy Bennett said: "Although 'time-restricted eating patterns' - known as intermittent fasting - are popular, rigorously designed studies have not yet determined whether limiting the total eating window during the day helps to control weight. The time interval from first to last meal was not associated with weight change during the six-year study."
Intermittent fasting has been promoted in the past as an effective weight loss strategy for burning off fat. Supporters of the diet say that limiting meals or fasting for a set number of hours helps curb the risk of obesity.
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