Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (830 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Alternating between fasting for an extended period of time during the day and eating during a restricted time for the day.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Fasting, Intermittent; Time Restricted Feeding; Feeding, Time Restricted; Time Restricted Feedings; Time Restricted Fasting; Fasting, Time Restricted; Restricted Fastings, Time; Time Restricted Eating.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Fasting
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 851 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Intermittent Fasting” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 851 of them (100.0%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2020 onward with 851 records.
Reviews account for 230 records (27.0%) and meta-analyses for 64. Randomized controlled trials number 111 (13.0%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 0 |
| 2000-2009 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020 onward | 851 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 230 | 27.0% |
| Meta-analyses | 64 | 7.5% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 111 | 13.0% |
Method: PubMed query "Intermittent Fasting"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adipocyte p53 coordinates the response to intermittent fasting by regulating adipose tissue immune cell landscape | 2024 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 33 | cc by PMID 38360943 · DOI · PMC10869344 |
| Intermittent Fasting in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Critical Update of Available Studies | 2023 | Systematic review Design not recorded in structured metadata | 28 | cc by PMID 36771239 · DOI · PMC9920353 |
| Intermittent fasting induces rapid hepatocyte proliferation to restore the hepatostat in the mouse liver | 2023 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 27 | cc by PMID 36719070 · DOI · PMC9889086 |
| Intermittent Fasting: A Metabolically Focused Therapeutic Strategy for Obesity | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 4 | cc by PMID 41683195 · DOI · PMC12899804 |
Adipocyte p53 coordinates the response to intermittent fasting by regulating adipose tissue immune cell landscape [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- In obesity, sustained adipose tissue (AT) inflammation constitutes a cellular memory that limits the effectiveness of weight loss interventions.
- Closing excerpt
- Overall, our results demonstrate that p53 signalling in adipocytes dictates LAM accumulation in AT under IF and modulates fasting effectiveness in mice and humans.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (157 words)
In obesity, sustained adipose tissue (AT) inflammation constitutes a cellular memory that limits the effectiveness of weight loss interventions. Yet, the impact of fasting regimens on the regulation of AT immune infiltration is still elusive. Here we show that intermittent fasting (IF) exacerbates the lipid-associated macrophage (LAM) inflammatory phenotype of visceral AT in obese mice. Importantly, this increase in LAM abundance is strongly p53 dependent and partly mediated by p53-driven adipocyte apoptosis. Adipocyte-specific deletion of p53 prevents LAM accumulation during IF, increases the catabolic state of adipocytes, and enhances systemic metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity. Finally, in cohorts of obese/diabetic patients, we describe a p53 polymorphism that links to efficacy of a fasting-mimicking diet and that the expression of p53 and TREM2 in AT negatively correlates with maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery. Overall, our results demonstrate that p53 signalling in adipocytes dictates LAM accumulation in AT under IF and modulates fasting effectiveness in mice and humans.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38360943 · DOI · PMC10869344
Intermittent Fasting in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Critical Update of Available Studies [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Breast cancer (BC) is the most-frequent malignancy amongst women, whereas obesity and excess caloric consumption increase the risk for developing the disease.
- Closing excerpt
- Further studies with appropriate design and larger sample sizes are warranted to elucidate its potential standard incorporation in daily clinical practice.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (324 words)
Breast cancer (BC) is the most-frequent malignancy amongst women, whereas obesity and excess caloric consumption increase the risk for developing the disease. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the impact of intermittent fasting (IF) on previously diagnosed BC patients, regarding quality of life (QoL) scores during chemotherapy, chemotherapy-induced toxicity, radiological response and BC recurrence, endocrine-related outcomes, as well as IF-induced adverse effects in these populations. A comprehensive search was conducted between 31 December 2010 and 31 October 2022, using the PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Two investigators independently performed abstract screenings, full-text screenings, and data extraction, and the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to evaluate the quality of the selected studies. We screened 468 papers, 10 of which were selected for data synthesis. All patients were female adults whose age ranged between 27 and 78 years. Participants in all studies were women diagnosed with BC of one of the following stages: I, II (HER2-/+), III (HER2-/+), IV, LUMINAL-A, LUMINAL-B (HER2-/+). Notably, IF during chemotherapy was found to be feasible, safe and able to relieve chemotherapy-induced adverse effects and cytotoxicity. IF seemed to improve QoL during chemotherapy, through the reduction of fatigue, nausea and headaches, however data were characterized as low quality. IF was found to reduce chemotherapy-induced DNA damage and augmented optimal glycemic regulation, improving serum glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 concentrations. A remarkable heterogeneity of duration of dietary patterns was observed among available studies. In conclusion, we failed to identify any IF-related beneficial effects on the QoL, response after chemotherapy or related symptoms, as well as measures of tumor recurrence in BC patients. We identified a potential beneficial effect of IF on chemotherapy-induced toxicity, based on markers of DNA and leukocyte damage; however, these results were derived from three studies and require further validation. Further studies with appropriate design and larger sample sizes are warranted to elucidate its potential standard incorporation in daily clinical practice.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36771239 · DOI · PMC9920353
Intermittent fasting induces rapid hepatocyte proliferation to restore the hepatostat in the mouse liver [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Nutrient availability fluctuates in most natural populations, forcing organisms to undergo periods of fasting and re-feeding.
- Closing excerpt
- This study provides the first example of dietary influence on adult hepatocyte proliferation and challenges the widely held view that liver tissue is mostly quiescent unless chemically or mechanically injured.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (108 words)
Nutrient availability fluctuates in most natural populations, forcing organisms to undergo periods of fasting and re-feeding. It is unknown how dietary changes influence liver homeostasis. Here, we show that a switch from ad libitum feeding to intermittent fasting (IF) promotes rapid hepatocyte proliferation. Mechanistically, IF-induced hepatocyte proliferation is driven by the combined action of systemic FGF15 and localized WNT signaling. Hepatocyte proliferation during periods of fasting and re-feeding re-establishes a constant liver-to-body mass ratio, thus maintaining the hepatostat. This study provides the first example of dietary influence on adult hepatocyte proliferation and challenges the widely held view that liver tissue is mostly quiescent unless chemically or mechanically injured.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36719070 · DOI · PMC9889086
Intermittent Fasting: A Metabolically Focused Therapeutic Strategy for Obesity [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The global prevalence of obesity continues to rise and is a significant risk factor for the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases.
- Closing excerpt
- In summary, current evidence indicates that intermittent fasting provides a biologically robust framework for studying energy balance and holds promise for developing targeted nutritional interventions.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (241 words)
The global prevalence of obesity continues to rise and is a significant risk factor for the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Despite the development of new pharmacological therapies, novel strategies are being explored to mitigate the impact of this disease. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a nutritional intervention that has gained popularity and shows potential as an innovative approach to weight management. This study aims to compile scientific evidence on various aspects of fasting, including its physiological effects, the molecular and thermogenic mechanisms involved, and recommendations regarding nutritional strategies during the refeeding period within the eating window. We conducted a narrative review, analyzing evidence available from PubMed/MEDLINE based on studies related to intermittent fasting, thermogenesis, and their associated outcomes. Our results demonstrate the existence of three commonly used IF protocols: alternate day fasting (ADF), periodic fasting (PF), and time-restricted eating (TRE). In addition to its effects on weight loss, IF has demonstrated notable benefits for cardiovascular health, oxidative stress, and metabolic function. Moreover, the interaction between the central nervous system and brown adipose tissue provides an alternative mechanism for the molecular regulation of thermogenesis. Nutritional patterns adopted during intermittent fasting play a crucial role in optimizing outcomes, with particular emphasis on the intake of proteins, fiber, bioactive compounds, and essential fatty acids during the feeding window. In summary, current evidence indicates that intermittent fasting provides a biologically robust framework for studying energy balance and holds promise for developing targeted nutritional interventions.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41683195 · DOI · PMC12899804
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Intermittent fasting and longevity: From animal models to implication for humans [5]
- Research article Combined versus independent effects of exercise training and intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on Weight, Glycemia, Lipids, and Blood Pressure: A Narrative Review [7]
- Research article Intermittent Fasting: Does It Affect Sports Performance? A Systematic Review [8]
- Research article Effectiveness of an intermittent fasting diet versus regular diet on fat loss in overweight and obese middle-aged and elderly people without metabolic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [9]
- Research article The Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Appetite: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [10]
References
- Reinisch I, Michenthaler H, Sulaj A, Moyschewitz E, Krstic J, Galhuber M, et al.. Adipocyte p53 coordinates the response to intermittent fasting by regulating adipose tissue immune cell landscape. . 2024. PMID 38360943 · DOI · PMC10869344
- Anemoulis M, Vlastos A, Kachtsidis V, Karras SN. Intermittent Fasting in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Critical Update of Available Studies. . 2023. PMID 36771239 · DOI · PMC9920353
- Sarkar A, Jin Y, DeFelice BC, Logan CY, Yang Y, Anbarchian T, et al.. Intermittent fasting induces rapid hepatocyte proliferation to restore the hepatostat in the mouse liver. . 2023. PMID 36719070 · DOI · PMC9889086
- Diaz-Garrido N, Zagmutt S, Regaldiz A, Cisternas P, Bastías-Pérez M. Intermittent Fasting: A Metabolically Focused Therapeutic Strategy for Obesity. . 2026. PMID 41683195 · DOI · PMC12899804
- Strilbytska O, Klishch S, Storey KB, Koliada A, Lushchak O. Intermittent fasting and longevity: From animal models to implication for humans. Ageing Res Rev. 2024. PMID 38499159 · DOI
- Khalafi M, Symonds ME, Maleki AH, Sakhaei MH, Ehsanifar M, Rosenkranz SK. Combined versus independent effects of exercise training and intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr J. 2024. PMID 38183054 · DOI · PMC10770891
- Naous E, Achkar A, Mitri J. Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on Weight, Glycemia, Lipids, and Blood Pressure: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2023. PMID 37630851 · DOI · PMC10459308
- Conde-Pipó J, Mora-Fernandez A, Martinez-Bebia M, Gimenez-Blasi N, Lopez-Moro A, Latorre JA, et al.. Intermittent Fasting: Does It Affect Sports Performance? A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2024. PMID 38201996 · DOI · PMC10780856
- Yao K, Su H, Cui K, Gao Y, Xu D, Wang Q, et al.. Effectiveness of an intermittent fasting diet versus regular diet on fat loss in overweight and obese middle-aged and elderly people without metabolic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Nutr Health Aging. 2024. PMID 38308923 · DOI · PMC12880419
- Elsworth RL, Monge A, Perry R, Hinton EC, Flynn AN, Whitmarsh A, et al.. The Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Appetite: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023. PMID 37299567 · DOI · PMC10255792
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.