Comparing the effects of 5:2 intermittent fasting and continuous energy restriction when combined with resistance training on body composition, muscular strength, cardio-metabolic health markers and dietary compliance

Dieting to induce weight loss and improve health is common amongst the general population. However, weight can be lost as both fat and lean body mass, with the latter potentially being detrimental to health and longer-term maintenance of weight loss. Resistance training can help retain or grow lean body mass during periods of energy restriction. This project investigated two different forms of energy restriction combined with resistance training; continuous energy restriction and 5:2 intermittent fasting, and aimed to determine if either diet resulted in more favourable body composition, strength or cardio-metabolic outcomes or greater compliance.