Fasting vs. counting calories: which works better for weight loss?

NCT ID NCT03411356

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether intermittent fasting (eating only during certain hours) helps people with obesity lose more weight than the traditional approach of cutting calories every day. Over one year, 165 adults followed either an intermittent fasting plan or a daily calorie goal, plus a group weight-loss program and exercise. The main goal was to see how much weight each group lost.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: intermittent fasting (IMF) and daily caloric restriction (DCR) as behavioral interventions
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could show that intermittent fasting is a practical and effective alternative to daily calorie counting for weight loss in people with obesity.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial, but results may not apply to everyone with obesity, especially those with other health conditions. Weight loss can vary, and long-term maintenance is uncertain.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for OBESITY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OBESITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Kristen Bing

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.