The Promise

Why cut back every day if you could drop pounds by watching what you eat only a couple of days a week? That's some of the logic behind intermittent fasting, a weight loss approach that's become more popular over the past few years.

There are different versions. They include alternate day fasting, 5:2 intermittent fasting (fasting 2 days each week), and daily time-restricted feeding.

Some research shows that intermittent fasting works - at least in the short term. In some studies, people who followed this diet did lose weight and also had a decrease in some of the markers that show inflammation.

Though research continues, several studies show promise of intermittent fasting and several health benefits. Studies of intermittent fasting in humans with chronic disease have resulted in better control of their disease. However, these studies are done only over a period of months. Its unclear if the benefits would remain for years if the diet is continued throughout life.

Some research shows that intermittent fasting works - at least in the short term. In some studies, people who followed this diet did lose weight and also had a decrease in some of the markers that show inflammation. The possible secret behind the diet's health-boosting benefits: Fasting puts your cells under a mild stress. Scientists think that the process of responding to this stress, on your low-calorie days, strengthens cells ability to deal with stress and potentially fight off some diseases.

What You Can Eat and What You Can't

You can eat mostly what you want on days when you dont fast. But to lose weight and get the nutrients you need, you should stick to healthy foods and limit treats like dessert and processed foods.

On fasting days, youll eat very little food or none at all.

For example, the Every Other Day Diet says to eat no more than 500 calories during each fast day.

Another program called the 5:2 Fast Diet involves eating 5 days a week and fasting for the other 2 days, when women can get no more than 500 calories and men no more than 600. Thats a quarter of the amount you likely eat on the days when you dont fast. Whether you eat those calories in one sitting or spread them across micro-meals throughout the day is up to you.

Level of Effort: Hard

Limitations: Its not easy to skip most of your calories a few days a week and rely mostly on water, coffee, and tea to keep you feeling full. Youll need a balanced meal plan to eat in moderation on your so-called "feast" days, despite their name. You can indulge in a treat occasionally, but that's about it if you want to see results.

Cooking and shopping: You can continue your regular cooking and shopping, as long as you stick to mostly healthy foods.

Packaged food and meals? No.

In-person meetings: No.

Exercise: How much you exercise is up to you. But obviously, youre not going to have a lot of energy for that on your fasting days. The creators of the Every Other Day diet studied people doing cardiovascular exercise (like biking) while on the alternate-day fasting plan and found that they were able to maintain muscle mass while fasting.

What Else You Should Know

Cost: None beyond your shopping. In fact, because you will eat much less 2 to 4 days per week, your grocery costs should go down.

Support: There are several books and websites detailing variations on the basic idea of fasting a few days a week. So though there's no single destination for support, there are plenty of resources once you've decided which version of the plan appeals most to you.

Does It Work?

Several studies looking at intermittent fasting diets do show at least short-term weight loss after following the diet for several weeks.

Will the weight loss last over a longer time? That's not clear.