A new 18-month clinical trial from the University of Adelaide found that intermittent fasting and traditional calorie restriction produced similar weight loss — about seven kilograms in six months — but participants following the fasting plan reported far less mental effort. Unlike calorie counters, fasters did not feel compelled to constantly monitor portions or resist overeating. Both groups also reported improvements in mood and overall wellbeing. Researchers suggest intermittent fasting may work through different psychological mechanisms, making it a more sustainable option for people who struggle to stick with conventional diets. The findings were published in Clinical Nutrition.
