The participants randomized to the crossover group begin study participation as a control group (no changes in food intake) for the first 6 months and switch to IF for the remaining 6 months of the study.

Participant with a BMI between 28 and 35 kg/m2 will fast 3 non-consecutive days per week, whereas participant with a BMI between 24 and 27.9 kg/m2 will fast 2 non-consecutive days per week. Individuals following intermittent fasting (IF) will work with the study dietitian to design their weekly meal plans and menus for the non-fasting days. The subjects following IF will be asked to skip breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and calorie-containing beverages on the fast days, but we will give them the option to consume at dinner a big salad (i.e. non-starchy raw and/or cooked vegetables dressed with 2 tablespoons of salad dressing prepared with vegetable oil, vinegar and seasonings).

Intermittent fasting for 12 months

HSCRP would be measured in mg/L