Evaluation of the effects of intermittent fasting on clinical and laboratory parameters in metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Aim: Metabolic syndrome is associated with serious conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. We aimed to study the effects of intermittent fasting on metabolic syndrome.

Methods: Patients with metabolic syndrome were enrolled in the study. Before the intervention, anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index [BMI], waist and hip circumferences) and laboratory parameters (fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], fasting insulin) were recorded. All participants were instructed to fast for 14–16 hours per day for three months, consuming two meals during the remaining 8–10 hours. After three months, anthropometric measurements were taken again, and laboratory parameters were reassessed. Data collected before the intervention and at the third month of intermittent fasting were compared.

Results: Twenty patients with metabolic syndrome completed the study protocol (7 men and 13 women). The mean age of the participants was 56±12 years. There was a statistically significant reduction in weight (from 94.4±16.7 kg to 89.1±15.9 kg), BMI (from 34.9±5.6 kg/m² to 33±5.5 kg/m²), waist circumference (from 113±13 cm to 105±11.3 cm), and hip circumference (from 118±11 cm to 113±10.4 cm) (p-values: <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Moreover, fasting blood glucose (p=0.024), fasting insulin (p=0.001), and HbA1c (p=0.008) levels significantly decreased after three months of intermittent fasting.

Conclusion: Intermittent fasting should be considered a nutritional strategy to reduce BMI, waist circumference, and body weight and to improve metabolic parameters.