Khaberni - A recent study revealed that "alternate day" intermittent fasting helps in reducing weight and fat, but it may also lead to muscle mass loss, an aspect that has not yet received sufficient attention.
Background on the Spread of Intermittent Fasting
Statistics show that about 44% of adults worldwide are overweight, while approximately 16% suffer from obesity. This widespread prevalence has led to increased interest in weight loss strategies, among them intermittent fasting, which is seen as an effective way to improve metabolic and cardiovascular health. This method involves alternating between periods of fasting and eating, with fasting periods extending to 16-20 hours daily.
"Alternate Day"
The study, conducted in Singapore on the "alternate day" fasting method, depends on alternating between a fasting day where a small meal of 400 to 600 calories is allowed, and a day where food is consumed normally. The experiment involved 37 overweight Asian men aged between 21 and 35 years.
Protein Intake Does Not Prevent Muscle Loss
The researchers divided the participants into two groups: the first followed the fasting regime only, while the second consumed protein supplements during fasting days. After 4 weeks of follow-up, the researchers noted that both groups lost weight and fat, but this also coincided with a decrease in muscle mass, even among those who consumed protein.
The study attributed this decrease to the fact that the amount of protein consumed remained below the recommended daily level, and that the difference in protein amount between the two groups was not significant enough to make a difference in protecting the muscles.
The study did not record significant changes in blood pressure or blood sugar levels in the short term. The researchers recommended further studies to explore the effect of combining protein supplements with resistance training, aiming to preserve muscle mass during weight loss programs based on intermittent fasting.
