All articles tagged with #randomized trials
A Cochrane review of 22 randomized trials (1,995 adults) finds intermittent fasting produces about 3% body-weight loss over up to 12 months, roughly on par with traditional dietary advice and far below a 5% clinically meaningful target, with little evidence of quality-of-life gains; overall evidence quality is variable, so fasting should be viewed as one option among several, not a miracle solution.
A literature review of randomized trials and health-record analyses suggests that taking metformin during acute COVID-19 can reduce the risk of developing long COVID by roughly 40%–60%, though it is studied for prevention rather than treatment of existing long COVID; findings, including the COVID-OUT trial and EHR-based studies, have replicated this protective effect and point to possible antiviral benefits and compatibility with other antivirals, making metformin a potential low-cost outpatient preventive option.
A Cochrane review of 73 randomized trials involving nearly 5,000 adults finds that exercise modestly reduces depressive symptoms, with effects roughly comparable to psychotherapy and, with less certainty, antidepressants in the short term. Light-to-moderate activity and about 13–36 sessions appear most effective, though individual responses vary and long-term outcomes require more research; tailoring to the person is important.