Weight loss is the most common reason that people try IF. By reducing the amount of time you can eat, you’ll likely consume fewer calories without realizing it.
Additionally, IF can affect hormone levels and aid in weight loss.
In addition to lowering insulin and increasing HGH levels, IF increases the release of the fat-burning hormone norepinephrine (noradrenaline). Because of these changes, short-term fasting may temporarily increase your metabolic rate.
According to research, IF can be a powerful weight loss tool when done safely. A 2020 systematic review of studies on people with overweight and obesity showed rates of weight loss ranging from 0.8% to 13% of participants’ starting weights. However, most of these studies were small and done over a short period of time.
Keep in mind that the main reason IF helps with weight loss is that it makes it easier to eat fewer calories overall. If you eat massive amounts during your eating periods, you may not lose any weight at all.