Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss in Night‑Shift Workers: Three‑Arm Randomized Trial
Summary
This three-arm randomized clinical trial in night-shift workers with overweight/obesity compared continuous energy restriction (CER) with two modified intermittent-fasting (IF) strategies: eating ~2100 kJ (~500 kcal) on two days per week scheduled either on days off/day shifts (IF:2D) or on night-shift days (IF:2N), for 24 weeks. All groups lost weight and improved metabolic markers, and there were no significant between-group differences for the co-primary outcomes (body weight and HOMA-IR). As secondary findings, IF:2D reduced total and LDL cholesterol vs CER. No serious adverse events were reported.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
If you’re trying to lose weight on night shifts, both approaches worked: steadily cutting daily calories or doing two low-calorie days per week. In this trial, the results were similar for weight and insulin resistance, so you can choose the method that best fits your roster and preferences—while noting that the two-day fasting on days off/day shifts also improved LDL and total cholesterol. The key is consistent calorie reduction in a plan you can stick with.
Notes
Open‑access trial report.