Evaluating the efficacy of intermittent fasting and exercise combinations for weight loss: A network meta-analysis

Objective

The purpose of this study is to utilize network meta-analysis (NMA) to synthesize relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluate the most effective intermittent fasting (IF) combined with exercise interventions for weight loss.

Methods

This study searched five databases up until April 2024, obtaining RCTs that investigated the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) combined with exercise. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Cochrane tool, followed by a random-effects statistical analysis of each intervention. Eventually, a NMA was conducted to compare the effectiveness of each intervention on weight loss, thereby determining their combined effectiveness on reducing weight.

Results

A total of nine trials, comparing 12 interventions involving 570 participants, were included. All interventions significantly reduced body weight (BW) and fat mass (FM) compared to the control (CON) group. In terms of BW reduction, the alternate-day fasting + moderate-intensity continuous training (ADF + MICT) intervention had the highest surface under the cumulative ranking curve average (SUCRA) score 88.1(MD: −4.44,95% CI −5.95, −2.92). Furthermore, for improving FM, the ADF + MICT intervention also had the highest SUCRA score 92.7(MD: −3.65,95% CI −5.05, −2.25), making it the optimal intervention for improving FM.

Conclusion

The NMA results indicate that all interventions are effective in reducing weight. Among them, ADF + MICT is the most effective strategy for reducing BW, and it is also the best approach for improving FM.