RESEARCH w

popularity in the past decade. Alternate day fasting involves a “fast day ” where individuals consume 25% of energy needs, alternated with a “feed day ” where subjects eat ad libitum [1]. Only a handful of studies have been performed to test the effects of ADF on body weight and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk reduction, and almost all of these studies have been undertaken in obese populations (BMI 30–39.9 kg/m2) [2-4]. Results from these initial trials indicate that in waist circumference) in 8–12 weeks of treatment [2-4]. These reports also suggest that ADF may aid in the retention of lean mass in obese individuals [2-4]. In addition to these favorable body composition changes, improvements in CHD risk have also been noted. For instance, decreases in LDL cholesterol concentrations (20-25%), triacylglycerol concentrations (15-30%), and increases in LDL particle size are often observed with short-term ADF (8–12 weeks) [2-4]. Beneficial changes in blood pressure and adipokine profile (i.e. increases in adiponectin, and decreases in leptin and resistin) have * Correspondence