Welcome to Science Briefs. Diets come and diets go, and today we’re asking: does intermittent fasting really work? Intermittent fasting limits eating to certain windows—like the popular 5-2 diet, which lets you feast five days a week and fast or eat very little on two. Studies show that over several months, people on these regimens lose “on average around 5 percent of their body weight,” similar to those on steady calorie restriction. Researchers warn that “most of the benefits appear driven by the overall drop in calories,” not the fasting schedule itself. Some trials suggest intermittent fasting may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, but evidence remains preliminary. Long-term data are scarce, and many find strict fasting days hard to maintain. In the end, experts say, if you can stick with it, intermittent fasting can be an effective tool—but it’s not a magic bullet. Find the plan that fits your lifestyle, and remember consistency is key.
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