Ana Belén Crujeiras Martínez
Member of SEEDO and Head of Epigenomics in the Endocrinology and Nutrition Group of the Epigenomics Unit at the Santiago Health Research Institute (IDIS), Santiago University Hospital Complex (CHUS)
It is a rigorous review that meets scientific standards for systematic reviews. It suggests that intermittent fasting does not result in greater weight loss than traditional diets. However, the quality of many studies is limited and the follow-up period is short, so it is not the final word.
Intermittent fasting can be useful in many cases; there is scientific evidence to prove this. If intermittent fasting is done correctly, it creates a state of nutritional ketosis that can confer health benefits because ketone bodies have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are signalling molecules that can modulate epigenetic mechanisms. This state of nutritional ketosis has been observed to be associated with improved well-being and quality of life.
Obesity is a chronic disease that must be addressed in a holistic and multidisciplinary manner. Treatments for overweight/obese individuals must be personalised and tailored to each person; some therapeutic strategies work for some people and others for others, depending on their lifestyle, personal tastes and molecular and physiological profile, and always under the prescription of a nutrition or endocrinology professional.