5:2 diet over-promises and under-delivers

Intermittent fasting, made popular by the 5:2 diet, is no more effective at promoting weight loss than continuous dieting, a systematic review shows.

Routinely touted as the superior weight loss option, the 5:2 diet allows people to eat as usual for five days and then fast for two. For women, the “fasting” phase means eating 500 calories per day while men are allowed 600 calories.