Alternate-Day Fasting Combined with Exercise: Effect on Sleep in Adults with Obesity and NAFLD

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated how alternate-day fasting (ADF) combined with aerobic exercise impacts body weight and sleep in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Adults with obesity and NAFLD (n = 80) were randomized into one of four groups for 3 months: combination of ADF (600 kcal “fast day,” alternated with an ad libitum intake “feast day”) and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (five sessions per week, 60 min/session); ADF alone; exercise alone; or a no-intervention control group. Results: By month 3, body weight and intrahepatic triglyceride content decreased (p Conclusions: The weight loss induced by ADF combined with exercise does not improve sleep quality, duration, insomnia severity, or risk of obstructive sleep apnea in individuals with NAFLD.

Keywords

• alternate-day fasting
• intermittent fasting
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• hepatic steatosis
• sleep quality
• sleep duration