Effects of 16:8 intermittent fasting on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in obese women

BACKGROUND: The efficiency of intermittent fasting (IF) in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic parameters in obese individuals has been demonstrated. This study aims to evaluate the impact of intermittent fasting on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters compared to continuous caloric restriction (CCR), three months after intervention. METHODS: Over three months, we enrolled obese women practicing intermittent fasting (16/8) and compared them to a group following continuous caloric restriction. Anthropometric characteristics were measured using a bioelectrical impedance meter, and biological parameters, including inflammatory markers (hs-CRP and interleukin-6) and oxidative stress markers (8-hydroxyguanosine and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α), were evaluated before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The mean age and initial body mass index (BMI) were 35.5±9.13 years and 38.3±4.8 kg/m² in the IF group, and 36.3±9.27 years and 36.8±4.3 kg/m² in the CCR group, respectively. Weight loss was statistically significant in both groups. However, no effect was observed on inflammatory markers (hs-CRP and interleukin-6) in either group. Similarly, regarding oxidative stress markers, the changes in plasma concentrations of 8-OHdG (from 78.3±50.2 pg/ml to 85.7±39.3 pg/ml in the CCR group and from 81.7±26.8 pg/ml to 92.3±36.3 pg/ml in the IF group) and 8-iso-PGF2α (from 240±176 pg/ml to 194±146 pg/ml in the CCR group and from 194±153 pg/ml to 184±176 pg/ml in the IF group) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Despite its positive effects on weight and metabolic parameters, intermittent fasting has not demonstrated efficacy in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in obese women.