Intermittent fasting leads to greater weight loss than counting calories, according to a new study.Researchers say the difference is modest, but there are other potential health benefits.165 overweight or obese adults were randomly assigned to a 4:3 intermittent fasting plan or daily calorie limit.In the fasting group, participants restricted their eating on 3 nonconsecutive days per week. The goal was to cut their energy intake by about 80%.Those in the calorie restriction group were asked to reduce their daily calorie intake by about a third.All the participants were encouraged to exercise for at least 300 minutes per week…and received counseling from a registered dietitian.After a year, people who followed 4:3 intermittent fasting lost just under 8% of their body weight, compared to 5% among the calorie counters.Participants in the fasting group also experienced greater improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar numbers.Sticking to a calorie-restricted diet long-term is challenging for many people.The study authors say, “… the periodic nature of fasting may mitigate the constant hunger associated with [daily calorie restriction].”Source: Annals of Internal MedicineAuthor Affiliations: University of Colorado School of Medicinem, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, University of, Tennessee Knoxville, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States Air Force Academy .Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter