The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Weight Loss, Mood and Energy Level

Between increases in sedentary lifestyles and poor eating choices, America has been fighting the obesity epidemic for decades. Increased advertising convinces consumers that they need to eat more than they do, but intermittent fasting may be the solution to the obesity issue. Intermittent fasting has become a new method for losing weight. It is not a diet meaning it does not dictate what is eaten, but rather dictates what times of the day eating is allowed. Previous research has examined how intermittent fasting can impact weight loss in participants, but none have examined intermittent fasting specifically on college-age students. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of intermittent fasting on weight loss, mood and overall energy levels in college students. Participants will be randomly assigned to a control group, intermittent fasting with a 8 hour window and intermittent fasting with a 12 hour window. The participants will fill out daily questionnaires to track mood and energy levels throughout the experiment. Results will be presented at the Stander Symposium. The results from this study will contribute to the continuous discussion about healthy ways to lose weight as well as focusing on a population that has limited control over what they eat.https://ecommons.udayton.edu/stander_posters/2537/thumbnail.jp