A 2026 Cochrane review found intermittent fasting isn't more effective than standard diet advice for weight loss in overweight adults.
Cochrane review on intermittent fasting
A Cochrane review published on February 16, 2026, found that intermittent fasting does not appear to be more effective than standard dietary advice for weight loss among overweight adults or those living with obesity.Review analyzed multiple studies
The review analyzed 22 randomized trials involving 1,995 participants and found that the average difference in weight loss percentage between intermittent fasting and conventional dietary advice was -0.33 points across 21 studies and 1,430 participants.Level of evidence remains low
The authors of the review noted that the level of evidence remains low. While intermittent fasting can help some individuals reduce their calorie intake, the current data do not support it as a more effective method than usual dietary advice.
