Overview of the HELENA Trial

Research Focus

The HELENA trial explored the health benefits of intermittent fasting to ascertain its effectiveness compared to traditional calorie-restriction diets. The findings indicated that intermittent fasting is equally effective as conventional calorie counting for weight loss.

The Challenge of Weight Management

Awareness campaigns highlighting the risks associated with obesity have increased public understanding of the need for maintaining a healthy weight. However, many individuals find this task daunting and are often eager to explore various methods to achieve weight loss without extensive physical exertion. Approaches such as skipping breakfast, alternate-day fasting, or engaging in short fasting periods have become popular. The key question remains: does this approach yield results?

Previous Research Insights

Earlier studies have suggested that intermittent fasting can enhance metabolic health, with popular methods including the 16:8 diet (eating for eight hours and fasting for 16 hours) and the 5:2 diet (having two fasting days each week while eating normally on the other days). Researchers sought to determine whether intermittent fasting truly offers a superior and more manageable solution for weight loss compared to conventional calorie restriction.

Study Design and Methodology

Participant Selection

In a recent publication in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the HELENA trial involved 150 participants aged 35 to 65 years who were categorized as obese or overweight. These individuals were randomly assigned to one of three groups and monitored for nearly a year.

Group Classification

– The first group followed a conventional calorie restriction (CCR) diet, reducing daily calorie intake by 20%.
– The second group adhered to the 5:2 dietary plan, implementing the same 20% calorie reduction over the week (termed intermittent calorie restriction, or ICR).
– The control group maintained a healthy, balanced diet without any calorie reductions or meal skipping for 12 weeks.

Participants were re-evaluated at 24 weeks and again at 50 weeks, with their body weight and overall health monitored through imaging and questionnaires.

Findings and Results

Weight Loss Outcomes

The study revealed that participants following the intermittent fasting protocol lost more weight compared to those on the daily calorie restriction diet. However, both groups exhibited similar reductions in body weight, visceral fat, liver fat, and other abdominal fat.

Comparative Analysis

There was no significant difference in weight, lipid or cholesterol levels, insulin concentration, or overall metabolism between the two dietary approaches. This similarity in outcomes may be disappointing for some, as both methods yielded comparable results.

Long-Term Study Strengths

The research’s strength lies in its 50-week duration, which provided comprehensive insights into the health benefits of intermittent fasting compared to conventional calorie restriction.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Comfortable and Sustainable Choices

The HELENA trial concluded that intermittent fasting does not provide greater health benefits than conventional daily calorie restriction. While some individuals may find intermittent fasting easier than daily calorie counting, researchers suggest it may not be a sustainable long-term strategy for many.

Emphasis on Adherence

The lead scientist emphasized that the effectiveness of any weight loss method is contingent upon adherence. Those employing intermittent fasting should complement their approach with a balanced diet throughout the week to maximize the benefits.

Need for Future Research

The researchers determined that both intermittent calorie restriction and conventional calorie restriction yield similar health benefits for weight loss and metabolic health. They acknowledged the need for further studies to evaluate the safety, compliance, and effectiveness of intermittent fasting, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions.

References

Schübel R, Nattenmüller J, Sookthai D, et al. Effects of intermittent and continuous calorie restriction on body weight and metabolism over 50 wk: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018;108(5):933-945. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy196
Intermittent fasting: No advantage over conventional weight loss diets. [internet] Public release available from: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/gcrc-ifn112618.php