Several studies had shown that weight loss after gestational diabetes can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. A new research from the University of South Australia published in the ‘The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’ suggests that the popular 5:2 (five days of normal eating and two days of 500 calories) or intermittent fasting diet is effective in enabling women a greater choice and flexibility when it comes to weight loss.

The study compared the effects of (Intermittent Energy Restriction) IER (2 days per week) to daily (Continuous Energy Restriction) CER over 12 months on weight loss and diabetes risk markers in overweight women with previous GDM. Study cohort that included overweight females (n = 121) ≥18 y were randomized 1:1 to either IER [2-d 500 kcal (2100 kJ); n = 61] or CER [1500 kcal (6000 kJ); n = 60] in this 12-month noninferiority trial. The trial was completed by 62 participants with a median age of 39.6 y with a median BMI of 32.6 kg/m2 at a median of 2.9 y after GDM. The mean ± SD weight loss was significant over time.

According to the researchers, IER produces comparable weight loss to CER over 12 months in overweight women with previous GDM.