This three-day-a-week diet leads to more weight loss than daily calorie counting: study

It might be time to trade your calculator for a calendar. New research suggests that fasting just three days a week could lead to more weight loss and better health outcomes than constantly counting calories. With studies consistently showing that people struggle to stick to daily calorie restrictions, researchers said the 4:3 intermittent fasting regimen could be a more sustainable way to maintain weight loss in the long run. Daily calorie recommendations vary based on factors like age and activity level, but most women need at least 1,600 calories to maintain their weight, while men typically require at least 2,000.Here’s the shocking reality: The average American is chowing down more than 3,800 calories a day — much of it from processed foods, refined grains and added sugars, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paints an even grimmer picture, revealing that more than 2 in 5 US adults are obese, along with about 1 in 5 children.The obesity epidemic is fueling a spike in chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine enlisted 165 overweight or obese adults for the study, published Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.Participants were randomly assigned a 4:3 intermittent fasting regimen or a traditional daily calorie restriction plan for one year.On three nonconsecutive days each week, the intermittent fasting group was asked to cut its calorie intake by 80% of what it needed to maintain weight.On the other four days, these participants could eat their normal diet, with no restrictions or calorie counting, but with an emphasis on healthy foods and portion control.Meanwhile, the calorie restriction group had to reduce its daily calories by a third.Both groups participated in a comprehensive lifestyle program aimed at fostering behavioral change.This included setti...