Eight weeks of intermittent fasting versus calorie restriction does not alter eating behaviors, mood, sleep quality, quality of life and cognitive performance in women with overweight
Limited research exists comparing the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) and calorie restriction (CR) on psychological, behavioral, and cognitive outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether CR and IF would differ in their impact on eating behaviors, mood, sleep quality, quality of life (QOL), and cognition in women who are overweight or obese. In a pre-planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial at a single center, 46 healthy women (average age 50 years, BMI 32.9 kg/m^2) without eating disorders were divided into two groups for weight loss, either through IF or CR, each consuming 70% of their calculated energy needs. Measurements were taken after a 12-hour overnight fast at the start and in week 8, and after a 24-hour fast in the IF group at week 8. The study found that IF led to more significant weight and body fat reduction than CR (P < .001), with no significant differences between the two groups regarding changes in dietary restraint, disinhibition, hunger, mood, sleep quality, and QOL. Both IF and CR groups showed improved performance in a cognitive task (IF P = .036, CR P = .006), with no significant difference between them. A 24-hour fast in the IF group did not negatively affect eating behaviors, mood, sleep quality, or cognitive performance. The findings suggest that IF can be an effective short-term weight loss method without negatively affecting psychological or cognitive functions in women who are overweight or obese, highlighting the need for further, larger, and longer-term studies.
Year: 2021
