Intermittent fasting has long been a controversial weight loss technique. A new study looks at how effective it is compared to daily calorie counting.

Cutting back on calories three days a week may lead to more weight loss than daily dieting and may be more effective than other types of so-called "intermittent fasting."

A new year-long study comparing intermittent fasting and daily calorie restriction has found that the former may lead to "modestly" greater weight loss in overweight or obese adults The findings challenge long-standing assumptions about the best path to losing weight and feeling healthier.