Obesity remains a critical health issue in the United States, with prevalence increasing and significant impacts on morbidity, mortality, and economic productivity. Current management strategies include lifestyle interventions, medications, and surgical approaches, each with limitations and complications. Recently, intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity as a weight loss technique due to its ease of implementation and potential metabolic benefits. Evidence from various studies indicates that IF can lead to significant reductions in body weight, fat mass, and improvements in metabolic health markers such as insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles. Additionally, IF appears to beneficially alter gut microbiota composition and reduce inflammatory markers, potentially mitigating risks associated with obesity-related diseases. However, more human interventional trials are necessary to fully understand IF's long-term effects and establish it as a viable strategy for obesity management. This paper examines the physiological effects of IF on the body through a systems-based approach.
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