This study aimed to investigate the effects of the modified 5:2 IF dietary intervention on the Chinese population with overweight or obesity based on a self-controlled clinical trial.

There are fewer studies on the influence of dietary interventions on the Chinese populations with obesity, and the degree of obesity, body fat distribution, dietary pattern and structure, and metabolic status of populations with obesity are different between the Chinese and European populations. The effects of a 5:2 IF dietary intervention on the Chinese population with overweight or obesity are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the modified 5:2 IF dietary intervention on the Chinese population with overweight or obesity based on a self-controlled clinical trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. participants aged 18 to 60 years
2. participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2
3. participants engaged in light physical labor and their weight was relatively stable.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. participants taking any medication with an effect on body weight in the three months prior to enrollment;
2. participants with liver or kidney dysfunction (liver enzymes ≥ 2 times normal; blood creatinine > the upper limit of normal);
3. participants with a history of cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary heart disease, stroke);
4. participants with malignant tumors;
5. women during pregnancy or breastfeeding;
6. participants deemed unsuitable by the investigator to participate in this trial.