February 16, 2026
Fast Wars: Science vs Snackdown
Intermittent fasting may make little difference to weight loss, review finds
Big review shrugs at fasting; commenters clap back with 100-lb wins and buffet jokes
TLDR: A major review says intermittent fasting doesn’t beat standard dieting for weight loss, though benefits beyond the scale need study. Commenters weren’t having it—some bragged about triple‑digit losses, others said it’s just calories, and a few cried industry bias—highlighting the gap between evidence and everyday experience.
A heavyweight new Cochrane review looked at 22 studies and nearly 2,000 adults, and basically said this: intermittent fasting (eating only in a daily window or skipping days) may make little to no difference for weight loss or quality of life versus regular “eat fewer calories” advice. The authors warn against social media hype, say bodies vary, and call for more research on health perks beyond pounds. Calm, measured… and then the comments exploded.
The joke brigade led with a zinger: “8 hours is not a short window… Golden Corral will kick you out by hour three.” Cue chaos. The success-story squad stormed in: one user claimed 100 lbs down by eating one big protein-heavy dinner and walking the treadmill; another flexed 40 lbs lost after dumping beer, pasta, and potatoes—“everything in moderation, especially alcohol.” The no-magic crowd countered that it’s always been calories in vs. calories out, with fasting just a handy structure; one even framed fasting as body “garbage collection” (read: cell cleanup), not a guaranteed fat-melter. Then came the spice: a commenter hinted the review sounded like it came from the weight-loss industry.
Meanwhile, stats-minded readers noted the studies were small and mixed, which oddly fueled both sides—skeptics saying “see, no miracle,” devotees saying “my belt holes don’t lie.” Bottom line: the paper says “meh,” the thread says “hold my salad,” and the internet keeps debating what really moves the scale.
Key Points
- •A Cochrane review of 22 studies (~2,000 adults) found intermittent fasting makes little to no difference to short-term weight loss versus standard dietary advice or no advice.
- •Quality-of-life outcomes showed little to no difference; effects were unclear when compared with no advice.
- •Researchers expressed moderate confidence overall but lower confidence in comparisons with standard dieting due to small, less robust studies.
- •Intermittent fasting methods assessed included the 5:2 diet and daily time-restricted eating (about eight hours).
- •More research is needed on health impacts beyond weight, including type 2 diabetes, satisfaction, and differences by sex, BMI, and country.