Dietary studies examine intermittent fasting efficacy and refeeding syndrome risks

Recent studies and reviews have examined the efficacy and risks associated with dietary patterns, specifically intermittent fasting and refeeding syndrome.

A Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews analysis of 22 clinical trials involving approximately 1,995 adults found no significant weight loss benefits for intermittent fasting compared to standard dietary recommendations. While a 2025 Nature Medicine study noted weight reduction in some participants over 12 weeks, it found no significant difference in visceral fat reduction.

Research conducted at the University of Flores in Argentina explored motivations for intermittent fasting among adults, identifying weight loss, health improvement, and appetite control as primary drivers. However, the study also linked the practice to risky behaviors, such as extreme food restriction and compensatory behaviors, often accompanied by physical and emotional distress like fatigue, dizziness, and anxiety.

In a separate clinical study in the Río Negro and Neuquén provinces of Argentina, healthcare professionals were evaluated regarding refeeding syndrome—a potentially serious metabolic alteration. While most professionals were aware of the syndrome, a significant portion did not utilize clinical guidelines for its prevention or management, highlighting a gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application.