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Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intermittent fasting on body weight and composition in men and women with overweight, obesity, and early-stage metabolic syndrome. Additionally, it sought to assess its impact on key metabolic parameters, compare its effectiveness to classical caloric restriction, and examine adherence and potential adverse events. Methods: A narrative review of recent scientific literature was conducted, focusing on studies published between 2020 and 2025 in English. Sources included PubMed and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria comprised original research in human participants over 19 years of age. Meta-analyses and review articles were excluded. Results: The reviewed studies suggest that intermittent fasting, whether through time-restricted eating (TRE), alternate-day fasting (ADF), modified alternate-day fasting (MADF), or prolonged fasting (PF), is an effective and generally well-tolerated strategy for weight loss. Some protocols also demonstrated additional benefits on glycemic and lipid profiles. However, evidence regarding long-term adherence and adverse effects remains scarce. Discussion: Despite some limitations in the current body of evidence, findings support the potential of intermittent fasting as a viable nutritional intervention. Further high-quality research with longer follow-up periods and diverse populations is warranted to better determine its long-term efficacy, safety, and sustainability. Intermittent fasting could be considered a complementary tool in nutritional therapy, either as a stand-alone approach or in combination with conventional dietary strategies, provided it is implemented under appropriate professional guidance.
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