Date of Award
2-2019
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
First Advisor
Jay Metzger
Keywords
intermittent fasting, intermittent energy restriction, continuous energy restriction, efficacy, weight loss, metabolic benefits, cardiovascular benefits
Abstract
Obesity is associated with a variety of medical conditions that adversely affect metabolic and cardiovascular health. In order for health care providers to adequately educate and promote weight management, they need to be aware of the various dietary regimens and the efficacy and adverse effects associated with each. The purpose of this study is to analyze research assessing the efficacy and health benefit of intermittent energy restriction and compare to the efficacy and health benefits of continuous energy restriction. This literature review assesses the efficacy, metabolic benefits, and cardiovascular benefits of both intermittent energy restriction and continuous energy restriction from ten articles found on various databases within the past five years. The findings indicate that although not proven superior or inferior, intermittent energy restriction provides statistically similar results to continuous energy restriction when assessing efficacy of weight loss. There are also similar metabolic and cardiovascular benefits when comparing intermittent energy restriction and continuous energy restriction, although continuous energy restriction may have a benefit in the diabetic population due to potential adverse side effects in diabetics adhering to intermittent energy restriction. The result of this literature review allows providers to recommend an alternative weight management technique in patients who are unsuccessful or unable to adhere to a continuous energy restriction diet.
Recommended Citation
Engen, Alyse, "Intermittent Fasting in Weight Management" (2019). Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers. 45.
https://commons.und.edu/pas-grad-papers/45