[bulbar]

You lose weight by reducing calories intake. That's well known and what the review, unsurprisingly, has shown.

Methods like intermittent fasting work by providing a framework that makes it easier for people to achieve that.

[data-ottawa]

It’s not black and white though. The body does adapt and respond to just reducing calories in or fasting.

It’s better to do portion control, consume fiber and better calories, and exercise to increase metabolism.

That all balances the calories out side of the equation in ways where fasting itself won’t.

https://theconversation.com/its-time-to-bust-the-calories-in...

https://theconversation.com/is-weight-loss-as-simple-as-calo...

[seethishat]

What is the purpose of increasing fiber? Is it to make you feel full longer?

[data-ottawa]

Keeps you full, is good for gut microbiom, and regulates blood sugars.

I’m just learning about this as trying to be healthier, so I’m not an expert.

[seethishat]

Thanks. That makes sense.

[ActorNightly]

The problem with recuing calorie intake is that it can also lead to lethargy, where you burn even less calories, and reducing intake even more means you arent getting vital nutrients.

[bulbar]

That's not wrong but often not that drastic. Reducing NEAT (non exercise activity) on reduced calories is person dependent and can be quite significant.

The body however is quite robust. For a healthy person, there's no acute risk associated to significantly reduce the calories intake for a few months. You should take care to have a balanced diet, of course.

[ActorNightly]

Depends on the person. Ive known people that have tried fasting and it wasn't working - but they literally were just coming home from work and going to sleep.

[matwood]

You're not reducing to zero. I IF most of the time and have the most energy before my first meal of the day.