Intermittent fasting: Hype or real weight-loss solution?
Is intermittent fasting effective? (Photo: Freepik)
Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular healthy lifestyle trends. On social media, it is often hailed as an almost universal method for weight loss and body rejuvenation. However, scientific data tell a somewhat different story.
Ukrainian geneticist Oleksandr Koliada explained in an interview with RBC-Ukraine what really underlies this practice and why it shouldn’t be considered a miracle diet.
How intermittent fasting differs from a regular diet
According to the expert, numerous studies compare intermittent fasting with other weight control methods, primarily standard calorie reduction.
The results show little significant difference between these approaches. In other words, it doesn’t matter as much for the body whether a person simply eats less throughout the day or restricts meals to specific time intervals.
Ultimately, the main effect is the same: the person consumes fewer calories.
Why calories are the key factor
Koliada explains that intermittent fasting should be viewed not as a special biological technique but as one way to control caloric intake.
For example, a person might reduce their diet’s energy content by about 10–20%. This means the body receives fewer calories than usual and begins to use its own reserves.
This is the key mechanism that helps manage weight and improve certain health indicators.
Calorie restriction is one of the most reliable methods
Although intermittent fasting is often presented as a trendy new method, the idea of reducing caloric intake has been well known to science for decades.
Studies across various organisms show that moderate calorie restriction can positively affect metabolism and is associated with a longer lifespan.
According to the geneticist, intermittent fasting can be beneficial for some people, but not because it has special “secret” properties. Its benefit comes from its natural ability to help people eat less.
Experts also emphasize that the most important factors remain a balanced diet, sufficient physical activity, and a consistent eating routine that a person can maintain over the long term.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
