# Intermittent fasting maintained weight loss for a year 16:8 diet proves long-term effectiveness in weight management. - **Source:** [Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily](https://brifing.si/source/0eef8637-6c5b-4e79-8f5b-6c9c6b36cf16) - **Published:** 2026-07-18 - **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c4cc57fe-f1e8-4065-be89-8f7bf6aba517 ## Long-Term Impact of 12-Week Program A University of Granada study published in Clinical Nutrition found that participants following the 16:8 intermittent fasting diet maintained significant weight loss even one year later. The research with 99 overweight adults showed those with an 8-hour eating window outperformed those eating over 12 hours. ## Comparison of Early and Late Groups Both groups eating between 9am-5pm or 1pm-9pm achieved better results than the control group. The early eating group showed particularly greater reduction in fat mass. These findings demonstrate the adaptability of time-restricted eating to personal routines. ## Mediterranean Diet-Supported Study Participants received Mediterranean diet training during the first 12 weeks before being divided into four groups: control, early fasting, late fasting, and self-selected. Body composition measurements were reassessed post-intervention and one year later, showing results consistent with prior findings in Nature Medicine. ## Success of Voluntary Continuation One-third of participants voluntarily continued intermittent fasting during the follow-up year. Researchers interpret this as evidence of the method's practicality for daily life. Flexible eating windows may particularly improve adherence in obesity treatment. ## Hope for Metabolic Health The MP20 research group at ibs.GRANADA investigates intermittent fasting's effects on obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular issues. This biomarker and clinical data study reveals potential improvements in health parameters beyond weight loss. ## Personalized Weight Management The research shows even a 12-week intervention can be effective medium-term. The success of both early and late eating options means patients can choose schedules fitting their lifestyles. This flexibility offers a new approach to obesity treatment. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260718010154.htm — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._