The 5:2 diet is feasible and reduces risk factors for cardio-vascular disease in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes

Abstract The 5:2 diet, a type of intermittent fasting has recently gained popularity. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of the 5:2 diet for six months on weight, metabolic and hormonal risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in overweight subjects with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). 97 (59 women) subjects, 35 with T2D and 62 without T2D (controls) followed the 5:2 diet (two days/week on a 500 (women) or 600 (men) kcal menu) for six months. Only 4/97 subjects discontinued. A weight loss of 4.2 (5.0–3.3) kg (4.94%) and 5.3 (6.4–4.2) kg (6.43%) was observed in controls and T2D, respectively. In both groups there were decreases in waist circumference, fat percentage, and blood pressure. Waist circumference decreased more in T2D compared to the controls. HbA1c improved in the T2D group. Metabolic control, lipids, adiponectin and leptin improved. Age-adjusted IGF-I decreased in the controls and IGF binding protein-1 increased in the T2D group suggesting improved hepatic insulin sensitivity in T2D. The 5:2 diet was feasible for 6 months and resulted in significant weight loss and improvement in metabolic and hormonal risk factors for CVD in overweight and obese subjects with and without T2D.