A meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of alternate day fasting, the 5:2 diet, and time-restricted eating for weight loss

This 2023 meta-analysis by Elortegui Pascual et al. evaluated the comparative effectiveness of three intermittent fasting (IF) regimens—alternate day fasting (ADF), the 5:2 diet, and time-restricted eating (TRE)—on weight loss, compared to traditional caloric energy restriction (CER). The study analyzed 24 randomized controlled trials encompassing 1,768 participants. Results indicated that