Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence

Background: Over the past several years, intermittent fasting (IF) has been considered a possible dietary treatment for metabolic disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, and High Cholesterol. IF helps improve metabolic health by controlling sugar levels, aiding in fat reduction, and improving insulin responsiveness. However, it remains popular without adequate solid evidence supporting its practicality, effectiveness, or difficulties when implementing IF in a clinical setting. Objective: This study aims to systematically review the literature on the impact of intermittent fasting on various metabolic disorders, focusing on its applications, benefits, challenges, and future potential. The review addresses various intermediate IF fasting cycles and their effects on metabolic health while discussing the benefits alongside the barriers to its use in clinical care. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted across several scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, including other sources. The review incorporated articles published from 2019 onwards with the focus being on clinical trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews. Data were selected and combined to reveal distinctive patterns concerning the management of metabolic disorders with fasting, the protocols of fasting employed, and the identified challenges from subjects undergoing IF. A clear systematic review was created by following the PRISMA flowchart. Results: The literature review suggests that intermittent fasting, and particularly the method, has several notable benefits in improving weight, blood sugar levels, and insulin sensitivity among the people with metabolic disorders. However, participants noted difficulty with consistency, irritability, a sharp increase in hunger, and increased stress. The main issues most respondents indicated were insufficient education on IF, social restrictions, and compliance with fasting protocols. Despite all these challenges, many respondents reported being optimistic about the impact of metabolic health in the long run. Conclusion: Research suggests that intermittent fasting can be one of the effective strategies used for metabolic disorder management because it helps achieve weight targets and maintain blood sugar levels. Notwithstanding, other factors such as integration into lifestyle, education, and compliance need to be addressed to promote effective fasting. More studies are needed to investigate the fasting regimen design for easy adoption, barriers to use, and the prolonged effect. IF on metabolic health. The outcome of this review can be beneficial to the public, healthcare stakeholders, and policymakers who intend to use or promote IF as part of their metabolic disorder management plans.