Major Review Finds Intermittent Fasting No Better Than Traditional Dieting

Study challenges popular social media claims about benefits of intermittent fasting for weight loss.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A major new Cochrane review of 22 randomized clinical trials involving nearly 2,000 adults found that intermittent fasting resulted in "little to no difference" in weight loss compared to standard dietary advice, performing barely better than "doing nothing". The researchers said intermittent fasting "just doesn't seem to work for overweight or obese adults trying to lose weight" and that the current evidence does not justify the enthusiasm seen for it on social media.

Why it matters

With obesity rates climbing worldwide, effective weight-loss strategies are under intense scrutiny. This review challenges the popular narrative around intermittent fasting as an easy shortcut to fat loss, metabolic health and longevity, raising questions about the sustainability and broader applicability of the approach.

The details

The review examined several forms of intermittent fasting, including limiting meals to an 8-hour daily window or fasting every other day. Most studies followed participants for up to 12 months. The researchers found intermittent fasting did not produce clinically meaningful weight loss compared to traditional diets or no intervention, did not significantly increase the likelihood of losing at least 5% of body weight, and showed no meaningful difference in quality of life.

  • The Cochrane review was published on February 17, 2026.
  • Most of the studies included in the review lasted 12 months or less.

The players

Luis Garegnani

Lead researcher of the Cochrane review and director of the Universidad Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires Cochrane Associate Center.

Eva Madrid

Director of the Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit Iberoamérica and professor at the Universidad de Valparaíso School of Medicine.

Gillian Goddard

New York-based board-certified endocrinologist and adjunct assistant professor of medicine at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine.

Malia Frey

Certified health coach and personal trainer in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“Intermittent fasting just doesn't seem to work for overweight or obese adults trying to lose weight. It may be a reasonable option for some people, but the current evidence doesn't justify the enthusiasm we see on social media.”

— Luis Garegnani, Lead researcher

“With the current evidence available, it's hard to make a general recommendation. Doctors will need to take a case-by-case approach when advising an overweight adult on losing weight.”

— Eva Madrid, Director, Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit Iberoamérica

“There's been some suggestion in the data coming out over the last couple of years that, when it comes to weight, intermittent fasting may not be better than a standard low-calorie diet.”

— Gillian Goddard, Board-certified endocrinologist (Fox News Digital)

“If someone really wants to try intermittent fasting, I would suggest that they try it for a few weeks, but then gradually transition to a more sustainable plan that promotes healthy eating.”

— Malia Frey, Certified health coach and personal trainer (Fox News Digital)

The takeaway

This review challenges the popular narrative around intermittent fasting, suggesting that the weight-loss benefits may have been overstated. While it may work for some individuals, the evidence does not support the widespread enthusiasm for intermittent fasting as a superior weight-loss strategy compared to traditional dieting approaches. Experts recommend finding a sustainable plan that promotes overall healthy eating habits.