Cardiometabolic Risk Markers

The fasting-with-restriction group produced larger reductions in diabetes and cardiovascular risk markers. Intermittent fasting with caloric restriction produced greater improvements in health markers than daily calorie restriction. The trial did not prove that fasting independently caused superior cardiometabolic improvements. The improved markers suggest possible advantages of fasting plus calorie restriction, but interpretation is limited by greater weight loss. The most defensible interpretation is that appetite suppression may drive extra weight loss and part of the cardiometabolic benefit.