Search Results (187)

Background: Evidence comparing the effects of novel alternative dietary strategies on resting energy expenditure (REE) with a hypocaloric standard Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) with continuous caloric restriction remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets with varying ketogenic potentials—including a very-low-carbohydrate diet (ketogenic diet, KD), time-restricted eating (TRE), and modified alternate-day fasting (mADF)—on the REE of individuals with obesity compared to those of a standard MedDiet. Methods: This was a secondary post hoc sub-analysis of a three-month, parallel-arm, randomized clinical trial (RCT) including 160 adults with obesity (body mass index > 30 kg/m²). The participants were randomly assigned to one of five calorie-restricted dietary interventions: control (MedDiet), KD, early time-restricted eating (eTRE), late time-restricted eating (lTRE), or mADF. All interventions featured an individualized energy deficit of 600 kcal/day. In this sub-analysis, a total of 102 participants with valid baseline measures were included. The REE was assessed by indirect calorimetry, and longitudinal trajectories were evaluated using Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) in 98 participants to account for baseline variability and to maximize data retention. Results: The mean age of participants in this sub-analysis was 45.3 years (SD 10.8), and 73.1% were women. The longitudinal modeling confirmed no statistically significant differences in the adjusted REE trajectories among the five dietary groups over the 3-month intervention (Group × Time interaction, p = 0.506). Furthermore, the LMMs showed that total body weight (p < 0.001) and biological sex (p < 0.001) were the variables most strongly associated with REE within the model. No independent associations between circulating beta-hydroxybutyrate levels and REE trajectories were detected. Conclusions: Hypocaloric diets with varying macronutrient distributions and fasting windows did not show statistically significant differences in REE trajectories over the 3-month intervention. In this exploratory sub-analysis, the REE trajectories were more closely associated with individual biological characteristics, particularly body weight and sex, than with the specific dietary strategy employed. Given the modest sample size and exploratory nature of the study, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in larger, adequately powered prospective trials. Full article

Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a popular dietary intervention with potential metabolic and endocrine benefits. However, its effects on sexual function and reproductive health remain incompletely understood. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence from human clinical trials and animal studies examining the impact of various IF protocols—including time-restricted eating (TRE), alternate-day fasting (ADF), and Ramadan fasting—on male and female sexual function, reproductive hormones, and fertility outcomes. In males, limited human data suggest preserved erectile function but reduced sexual desire during Ramadan fasting, with neutral effects on testosterone in obese adults undergoing TRE. Animal studies demonstrate context-dependent effects, with IF protecting against high-fat diet-induced reproductive dysfunction while potentially impairing spermatogenesis under prolonged energy restriction. In females, IF shows promise for improving hyperandrogenism and menstrual regularity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), mediated by enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced free androgen index. However, direct measurements of female sexual function domains (libido, arousal, lubrication, orgasm) are largely absent from the literature. Mechanistic pathways involve modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, insulin–adipokine signaling, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and oxidative stress pathways. Evidence quality is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, short follow-up periods, and predominance of animal data. While IF may offer reproductive benefits in metabolically compromised populations, particularly women with PCOS, caution is warranted in young, lean, or energy-deficient individuals. Future research should employ standardized IF protocols, validated sexual function instruments, and long-term fertility endpoints to establish evidence-based clinical recommendations. Full article

An increasing penetration of distributed energy resources and electrification-driven peak demand pose significant challenges to distribution networks, often resulting in voltage violations and congestion. This paper presents a multi-stage optimization framework that enables battery storage unit (BSU) to act as a flexible non-wire alternative to traditional grid expansions conducted by Distribution System Operators (DSO), but also helpful for Transmission System Operators (TSO). The proposed method integrates a mixed-integer planning model with a quadratically constrained, second-order-cone–relaxed, AC optimal power flow to determine the optimal siting and sizing of battery storage. Representative operating days are obtained through clustering, while the operational optimization model evaluates battery participation in energy and reserve markets under network constraints. The value of flexibility the DSO procures from an independently-owned battery storage unit is determined as the opportunity cost of providing this flexibility as opposed to taking part in the fast reserves and day-ahead energy markets. The results obtained offer valuable information when weighing the decision between network expansion and alternative strategies and determine the price of flexibility that the DSO can offer to an independently owned storage unit. The results confirm that battery storage can defer network investments while providing transparent and economically justified flexibility remuneration. The proposed framework is implemented sequentially, with strong coupling between planning and operational stages through physical constraints and economic signals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity represents a significant global health challenge. Although alternate-day fasting (ADF) has been shown to effectively improve metabolic parameters, long-term adherence to this regimen remains limited. This study aimed to investigate whether highly polymerized persimmon tannin (DP31) could serve as a practical alternative to ADF for the prevention of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 10 per group) were subjected to an HFD for 11 weeks, during which they concurrently received either DP31 or ADF. Body weight, fat mass, serum lipid levels, glucose tolerance, fasting glucose, and insulin levels were assessed. Additionally, hepatic transcriptomics, Western blotting, 16S rRNA sequencing, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis were conducted. Results: DP31 demonstrated comparable efficacy to ADF in reducing body weight gain and improving lipid profiles, while exhibiting superior effects on glucose tolerance and fasting glucose levels (p < 0.05). Both interventions effectively reversed HFD-induced hepatic gene dysregulation, leading to the upregulation of genes involved in processes related to steroid metabolism. In addition, both treatments activated the hepatic AMPK-mTORC1-Lpin1 axis, suppressed lipogenesis, upregulated PGC1α, and increased β-hydroxybutyrate levels, indicating enhanced fatty acid oxidation (p < 0.05). Notably, DP31 outperformed ADF in enriching beneficial gut genera, such as Akkermansia, and boosting SCFAs production, which may elucidate its superior glycemic control. Overall, DP31 exhibits comparable effects to ADF in preventing obesity-related metabolic disorders, while demonstrating superior effects on glucose homeostasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained increasing attention as a nutritional strategy to improve metabolic health, body composition, and disease-related outcomes. However, its effects are often interpreted as broadly uniform, despite growing evidence that biological sex may modulate fasting responses. This narrative review examines sex-specific differences in the physiological, endocrine, clinical, and psychosocial effects of IF in women and men. Methods: We conducted a narrative synthesis of human and preclinical evidence addressing IF protocols, mechanisms, benefits, adverse effects, and sex-related differences. Particular attention was given to substrate metabolism, hormonal regulation, neuroendocrine sensitivity, energy availability, exercise performance, chronic disease management, aging-related outcomes, and psychological or behavioral responses. Results: The available literature suggests that women and men share several beneficial responses to IF, including improvements in body composition and cardiometabolic markers, but may differ in the magnitude, tolerability, and mechanistic basis of these effects. Women appear to show greater sensitivity of reproductive and neuroendocrine function to energetic stress, particularly under conditions of low energy availability, high exercise load, or reproductive vulnerability. In contrast, men may exhibit preserved functional outcomes despite measurable endocrine adaptations, including changes in testosterone dynamics. Across both sexes, responses vary according to fasting protocol, nutritional adequacy, baseline metabolic status, life stage, and clinical context. Conclusions: Current evidence supports a sex-informed and context-specific interpretation of IF rather than universally applicable fasting prescriptions. Direct sex-comparative studies remain scarce, and many conclusions are inferred from parallel male and female studies. Future research should integrate sex as a core biological variable in precision nutrition and fasting-based interventions. Full article

Intermittent fasting confers protection in diverse diseases through various mechanisms, including the clearance of senescent and pathogenic cells, modulation of tissue inflammation and enhancement of stem/progenitor cell niche and functionality. Our previous study demonstrated the beneficial impact of alternate-day fasting (ADF) on xerostomia and sialadenitis, along with an improvement in salivary gland ductal compartments, where salivary gland progenitor cells reside, in non-obese diabetic mice, a spontaneous model of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). In the present study, we induced SS-associated hyposalivation in KRT5^CreERT2; R26^tdTomato lineage tracing mice by immunizing them with submandibular gland proteins from wild-type C57BL/6 mice. ADF alleviated salivary gland hypofunction, which was accompanied by decreased expression of the senescent cell marker p16^INK4a, reduced protein levels of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1, and attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activity in the submandibular glands, particularly within the ductal compartments, of this inducible model. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining of submandibular gland sections revealed the expression of the acinar cell marker aquaporin 5 in a small subset of Keratin 5⁺ cells in 2 of 9 mice that were subjected to ADF, whereas no such cells were detected in the control mice. Taken together, these findings indicate that ADF favorably modulates the salivary gland progenitor cell niche, potentially by promoting apoptosis-mediated senescent cell clearance, suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, and promoting Keratin 5⁺ progenitor cell-derived acinar cell replenishment, thereby contributing to the structural and functional restoration of damaged salivary glands in autoimmune exocrinopathy. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) progression is critically driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which integrates hormonal cues with metabolic programs supporting tumor growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that intermittent fasting (IF) and related dietary interventions—such as time-restricted eating (TRE), alternate-day fasting (ADF), and fasting-mimicking diet (FMD)—modulate systemic metabolism, including reductions in insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and induce intracellular nutrient stress that can influence AR activity, splice variant expression (e.g., AR-V7), and downstream metabolic pathways. This systematic literature review (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science; publications up to December 2025; search terms: “prostate cancer,” “androgen receptor,” “AR splice variants,” “intermittent fasting,” “fasting mimicking diet”, “metabolism,” “therapy resistance”) summarizes preclinical and clinical studies addressing the impact of IF on AR signaling, lipogenesis, mitochondrial function, redox homeostasis, and therapy response. Preclinical studies indicate that IF can reduce AR expression, impair nuclear translocation, modulate AR splice variants such as AR-V7 via nutrient-sensitive splicing mechanisms, and enhance sensitivity to androgen deprivation therapy and AR-targeted agents. Mechanistically, IF-induced metabolic stress engages AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and sirtuin pathways, alters lipid and mitochondrial metabolism, and transiently increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), creating vulnerabilities in prostate tumor cells. Translational evidence suggests potential benefits of integrating IF with standard therapy, but effects may depend on fasting regimen, caloric intake, macronutrient composition, and patient metabolic context, including risk of lean mass loss. This review highlights the metabolic crosstalk between IF and AR signaling and emphasizes the need for future clinical studies incorporating biomarker-guided approaches and body composition monitoring to fully exploit this intersection for improved therapeutic outcomes in prostate cancer. Full article

This study evaluates a non-invasive and feasible nutritional strategy as a realistic intervention to prevent or mitigate T2DM in one-year-old female Wistar rats. This strategy is based on replacing a commercial pâté (CP) with a functional one, either a silicon-enriched commercial pâté (Si-CP), a reduced-fat pâté formulated with a biopolymeric emulsion (BP), or a silicon-enriched and reduced-fat biopolymeric pâté (Si-BP). After consumption of a high-saturated fat high-cholesterol diet, CP rats exhibited elevated fecal excretion, fasting serum glucose, insulin, and LDL cholesterol, and altered islet morphology. Versus the CP group, the Si-CP consumption group exhibited significantly reduced fecal output (1.17 ± 0.02 vs. 2.09 ± 0.44) and serum insulin (12.06 ± 7.89 vs. 20.74 ± 7.44), triglycerides (47.51 ± 4.46 vs. 58.24 ± 9.97), LDL cholesterol (34.63 ± 5.14 vs. 42.20 ± 4.98), and ghrelin (32.49 ± 24.66 vs. 78.35 ± 22.85). Although BP rats also exhibited some positive effects, Si-BP animals presented the most promising results. Compared to the CP group, Si-BP consumption significantly reduced fecal excretion (1.44 ± 0.24) and serum glucose (129.1 ± 10.40 vs. 154.9 ± 15.76), insulin (9.49 ± 6.06), triglycerides (46.91 ± 5.13), and estradiol (528.2 ± 45.00 vs. 634.4 ± 98.87), preserved islet circularity (0.88 ± 0.02 vs. 0.82 ± 0.01), and significantly increased tibia length (4.09 ± 0.12 vs. 3.95 ± 0.09) and wet weight (0.65 ± 0.07 vs. 0.56 ± 0.06). This study demonstrates the antidiabetic effects of silicon from diatomaceous earth (4 mg Si/kg body/day) incorporated into pâté in middle-aged female rats. Replacing CP with a functional alternative improved the health status of diabetic female rats, supporting its potential as an effective nutritional adjuvant. Full article

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia, leading to severe complications. Medicinal plants like Jatropha integerrima, known for their antioxidant and therapeutic properties, are being explored as potential alternatives for the management of diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract of Jatropha integerrima (MEJI) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using STZ (45 mg/kg, i.p.), followed by oral treatment with MEJI (200 and 400 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 21 days. Glycemic control was assessed through fasting blood glucose level (FBG), and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profiling (TC, TG, LDL, HDL, and VLDL), and antioxidant (SOD and CAT) testing were outsourced to UNIQUE Biodiagnostics Vet. Path Lab, Parel, Maharashtra, while pancreatic histopathology was analyzed by evaluating islet morphology. Treatment with MEJI produced a dose-dependent reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. On day 21, MEJI at 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced blood glucose by 63.1% and 67.0%, respectively, compared to the diabetic control group. The standard drug showed the highest reduction (73.6%), restoring glucose levels close to normal values, compared with the diabetic control group, along with an improvement in glucose tolerance as reflected in OGTT outcomes. Moreover, the extract also favorably modulated the lipid profile by lowering TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL levels while enhancing HDL concentrations. Antioxidant enzyme activities improved notably, with significant elevations in SOD and CAT levels, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of pancreatic sections revealed partial recovery of islet architecture in MEJI-treated rats, suggesting regenerative and protective effects on pancreatic β-cells. MEJI exhibited potent glucose-lowering, lipid-regulating, and antioxidant properties, along with pancreatic protection. These findings suggest that Jatropha integerrima may serve as a reservoir of bioactive compounds with promising potential for the management of diabetes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a nutritional strategy capable of modulating circadian alignment, metabolic efficiency, and neuroendocrine regulation in individuals with obesity. Among the neurobiological mediators potentially involved, Orexin-A—a hypothalamic neuropeptide regulating arousal, appetite, and energy balance—may represent a key link between fasting patterns and metabolic homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term metabolic and neuroendocrine effects of two intermittent fasting protocols, time-restricted feeding (16:8) and alternate-day fasting (5:2), compared with a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet used as a reference condition. Materials and Methods: Thirty adults with obesity (aged 20–40 years) were allocated to one of three dietary interventions—low-calorie Mediterranean diet, IF 16:8, or IF 5:2—based on habitual dietary patterns and followed prospectively for 12 months. Anthropometric parameters, metabolic indices, inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10), and circulating Orexin-A concentrations were assessed at baseline and at three-month intervals (T0–T3). Results: Both intermittent fasting protocols induced more rapid improvements in body mass index, adiposity, lipid profile, fasting glucose, and inflammatory markers compared with the Mediterranean diet. Among the IF strategies, the 16:8 regimen showed the most consistent and physiologically coherent pattern of adaptation, characterized by a progressive and sustained increase in Orexin-A levels. This response was strongly associated with enhanced metabolic flexibility, reduced systemic inflammation, and improved energy regulation over time. In contrast, the 5:2 protocol produced more variable metabolic and neuroendocrine responses, likely due to alternating cycles of marked caloric restriction and compensatory intake. Conclusions: Intermittent fasting, particularly the 16:8 time-restricted feeding protocol, appears to be an effective and sustainable chrononutritional strategy for obesity management. By reinforcing circadian organization, improving inflammatory balance, and activating orexinergic pathways, the 16:8 model emerges as a promising intervention to address key metabolic and neuroendocrine dysfunctions associated with obesity. Full article

The reliable quantification of urea in agricultural systems requires methods that combine metrological rigor with low environmental impact. This work develops and validates a micro-Raman method (λ = 532 nm) for the direct determination of urea in aqueous solutions and soils. The method is formally compared with the reference procedure ISO 19746:2017 (HPLC). Calibration, based on the 1000–1200 and 1460–1670 cm⁻¹ windows, showed near-ideal linearity in the 0.25–25% w/w range (r² = 0.9999). LOD and LOQ values were 0.178 and 0.735% w/w, respectively. Intra- and inter-day accuracy proved adequate for routine use (RSD ≤ 5%). A one-way ANOVA (p = 0.983) confirmed no statistically significant differences between concentrations obtained by micro-Raman and ISO 19746:2017. In the soil matrix, recoveries ranged between 94 and 101, and the contained biases demonstrate good tolerance to matrix effects. Application to maize plots allowed for monitoring urea disappearance at three depths (0–2 cm, 5–7 cm and 10–15 cm) over 90 days. These differentiated areas of rapid surface hydrolysis from more persistent fractions at depth. The Eco-Scale (96), GAPI (pictogram dominated by green areas), and AGREE (0.88) metrics confirm a significantly lower environmental footprint than that of the chromatographic method. The proposed micro-Raman methodology is emerging as a green, fast, and traceable alternative for monitoring urea in fertilizers and agricultural soils. Full article

The global prevalence of obesity continues to rise and is a significant risk factor for the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Despite the development of new pharmacological therapies, novel strategies are being explored to mitigate the impact of this disease. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a nutritional intervention that has gained popularity and shows potential as an innovative approach to weight management. This study aims to compile scientific evidence on various aspects of fasting, including its physiological effects, the molecular and thermogenic mechanisms involved, and recommendations regarding nutritional strategies during the refeeding period within the eating window. We conducted a narrative review, analyzing evidence available from PubMed/MEDLINE based on studies related to intermittent fasting, thermogenesis, and their associated outcomes. Our results demonstrate the existence of three commonly used IF protocols: alternate day fasting (ADF), periodic fasting (PF), and time-restricted eating (TRE). In addition to its effects on weight loss, IF has demonstrated notable benefits for cardiovascular health, oxidative stress, and metabolic function. Moreover, the interaction between the central nervous system and brown adipose tissue provides an alternative mechanism for the molecular regulation of thermogenesis. Nutritional patterns adopted during intermittent fasting play a crucial role in optimizing outcomes, with particular emphasis on the intake of proteins, fiber, bioactive compounds, and essential fatty acids during the feeding window. In summary, current evidence indicates that intermittent fasting provides a biologically robust framework for studying energy balance and holds promise for developing targeted nutritional interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prolonged fasting—defined as voluntary abstinence from caloric intake for periods exceeding 24 h—is increasingly recognized not only as a metabolic intervention but also as a psycho-behavioral modulator. According to the 2024 international consensus, intermittent fasting encompasses diverse temporal patterns including time-restricted feeding, alternate-day fasting, and periodic fasting of multi-day duration. While metabolic benefits are well documented, the psychoneurobiological and psychiatric consequences remain incompletely characterized. This review critically appraises current evidence on the psychological and psychiatric effects of prolonged and intermittent fasting, including both secular and religious practices. Methods: A narrative synthesis was conducted on clinical trials, observational studies, and translational research published between January 2010 and June 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Search terms included combinations of “prolonged fasting,” “intermittent fasting,” “psychological,” “psychiatric,” “religious fasting,” “Ramadan,” and “Orthodox Church.” Eligible studies required explicit evaluation of mood, cognition, stress physiology, or psychiatric symptoms. Data were analyzed qualitatively, with particular attention to study quality, fasting regimen characteristics, and participant vulnerability. This is a non-registered narrative synthesis drawing on clinical trials, observational studies, and preclinical evidence published between January 2010 and June 2025. Results: Eighty-seven studies met inclusion criteria (39 human; 48 preclinical). In metabolically healthy adults, short-term time-restricted eating and supervised prolonged fasting were associated with modest reductions in depressive symptoms and perceived stress, with small improvements in executive functioning—typically observed in small samples and with limited follow-up. Religious fasting during Ramadan and the Orthodox Christian fasting periods demonstrated similar neuropsychological effects, including greater perceived spiritual meaning and affective modulation, though cultural context played a moderating role. Potential adverse mental-health impacts included mood destabilization, anxiety exacerbation, and rare psychotic or manic decompensations in vulnerable individuals. Randomized trials reported few adverse events and no signal for severe psychiatric harm, whereas observational studies more often noted symptom exacerbations in at-risk groups. Patients with eating disorder phenotypes exhibited increased cognitive preoccupation with food and a heightened risk of behavioral relapse. Methodological heterogeneity across studies—including variation in fasting protocols, psychological assessments, and follow-up duration—limited cross-study comparability. Conclusions: Evidence indicates a bidirectional relationship wherein fasting may foster psychological resilience in select populations while posing significant psychiatric risks in others. Inclusion of religious fasting traditions enriches understanding of culturally mediated outcomes. To enhance rigor and safety, future studies should incorporate clinician-rated outcomes (e.g., HDRS-17, CGI-S/CGI-I), standardized adverse-event tracking using validated psychiatric terminology, and prospective safety monitoring protocols, with ≥6–12-month follow-up. Full article

Background/Objectives: The zebrafish is a widely used research model due to its characteristics, such as being transparent during development, sharing 70% of its genes with humans, and having conserved features of vertebrate aging, including deterioration of mitochondrial and cognitive functions. While affecting approximately 15% of the world population, neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are currently incurable, requiring testing of alternative treatment strategies. Hence, this study was conducted to test the hypothesis that an optimized photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy improves AD pathology through its multifaceted beneficial effects, including enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Methods: A pharmacological zebrafish model of AD was developed by adding small amounts (100 nM) of okadaic acid (OKA) directly to fish tanks for nine days. Next, some of OKA-treated and control zebrafish were subjected to an optimized near-infrared PBM therapy while others remain untreated. Results: When examined after OKA treatment, zebrafish brains displayed histological hallmarks of AD including, neurofibrillary tangles, vacuoles, and neuroinflammation. Behavioral tests using a T-maze revealed that OKA-treated zebrafish spent significantly less time in the reward arm than untreated controls (15.2% vs. 50%). In contrast, a sequential PBM therapy significantly reduced formation of neurofibrillary tangles, vacuoles, neuroinflammation, and improved mitochondrial biogenesis in brains of OKA-treated zebrafish while also improving their cognitive function as evidenced by being able to recall the reward arm and spending more time there similar to controls (55 and 57%, respectively). Conclusions: These findings suggest that (1) a fast, cost-effective zebrafish AD model can be developed using OKA treatment and (2) PBM therapy holds promise to ameliorate AD pathology. Full article

Background: Obesity is a metabolic condition that may impair insulin sensitivity and disrupt glucose homeostasis. Since insulin and glucose affect insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), disruptions in this axis may elevate the risk of chronic diseases. Intermittent fasting (IF) modulates metabolic parameters, but the impacts on glucose regulation and IGF-1 remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the short-term effects of two IF types, time-restricted feeding (TRF) and alternate-day modified fasting (ADMF), on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and IGF-1 in obese young women. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was conducted over 20 days. The 31 subjects were allocated into ADMF (n = 10), TRF (n = 11), and Control (n = 10). After excluding dropouts and outliers, the final sample consisted of 22 subjects (ADMF = 7, TRF = 8, Control = 7). FBG and IGF-1 serum were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: The FBG post-intervention significantly increased in TRF (p = 0.001) and ADMF (p = 0.036) groups, but not in Controls. Only the TRF group showed a significant reduction in IGF-1 levels (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the ADMF group exhibited substantial decreases in body weight (p = 0.047) and visceral fat (p = 0.017). Conclusions: A 20-day IF in obese young women induced distinct metabolic effects: TRF lowered IGF-1, ADMF reduced adiposity, and both regimens increased FBG. These findings suggest that early changes in glucose regulation are highly dependent on the specific dietary regimen used. Specifically, TRF predominantly influences endocrine regulation (IGF-1 axis), while ADMF favours adiposity reduction. The concurrent rise in FBG may reflect a transient shift in glucose homeostasis during the early stages of fasting. Full article