(P20-058-25) Comparative Evaluation of Intermittent Fasting and Caloric Restriction for Metabolic Syndrome Management: A Randomized Trial at HEODRA, Nicaragua (2023-2024)

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction on patients between 20 and 70 years of age with Metabolic Syndrome at the Hospital Escuela Oscar Danilo Rosales Arguello—HEODRA, Leon-Nicaragua, in 2023-2024.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 participants diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, employing an open-label, controlled design. Participants were divided into two groups (30 patients each): daily caloric restriction (controlled) and modified intermittent fasting 5:2 days (Intervention). Univariate analysis, central tendency, dispersion measures, and statistical tests such as Student's t-test and the Whitney Mann U test were utilized for quantitative variables. The chi-square was calculated for qualitative variables, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The main sociodemographic characteristics were predominated subjects. aged 30- 45 years (43.3%), female sex (68.3%), from the municipality of León (95%), with higher education (51.7%), professional occupation (63.6%), and free union (41.7%). The intervention based on intermittent fasting showed a statistically significant weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome (p:0.03). While favorable changes in body anthropometric parameters were observed with intermittent fasting, differences between intermittent fasting and caloric restriction were not statistically significant. The patient's quality of life under study was determined as "Good" (65%). This instrument considered work, family, social, and personal dimensions, finding no significant difference between the groups intervening with different strategies. Adherence in the intermittent fasting group was like that of the calorie restriction group, and neither group reported relevant adverse effects.

Conclusions: Intermittent fasting may be a more effective option in managing body weight compared with common calorie restriction. Further studies are needed to confirm the veracity of our results. It is recommended to consider other aspects related to the subject, such as type of food, risk factors, prevalence, and knowledge, are recommended.

Funding Sources: Dissertation for the Master's Degree Program in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Universidad Europea del Atlántico (UNEATLANTICO) and Hospital Escuela Oscar Danilo Rosales Arguello (HEODRA).