Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Various Biochemical Variables Related to Obesity

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Intermittent fasting (IF) is one of the most promising strategies among the fasting methods known to humans. It has the ability to combat various diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and heart diseases. The study aims to explore the effects of IF on body mass index, several indicators of diabetes, and the risk of atherosclerosis, in addition to a number of hormones.

Methods: The study included 20 patients aged 25 to 45 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 34 kg/m2. Patients were systematically all male for a purpose of following the 16:8 IF strategy in four Consecutive weeks. It was emphasized to neglect cases that suffer from chronic diseases, take medications, or take weight loss pills.

Results: The results showed that IF showed great benefit for losing weight and reducing body mass index by approximately 7 degrees. As for fat levels, the effect of IF appeared clear in reducing the percentage of harmful fats and lowering the risk factor in the fourth group that applied IF for 30 days, while IF showed a rapid and clear effect in reducing the levels of indicators related to diabetes. Level of cortisol also decreased after applying the IF protocol in obese for 30 days, while IF had a rapid and clear effect on increasing irisin levels in obese.

Conclusion: IF plays an important role in losing weight and reducing risk factors for diabetes and atherosclerosis, as following

this protocol improves the quality of life, with the need for more studies to know its long-term effect.