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Why is 20:4 Intermittent Fasting Better Than 18:6?

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Our content undergoes a rigorous editorial process, including fact-checking and clinical review by qualified medical experts.
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Jill Castle (Nutritionist)
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Roxana Ehsani
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by Roxana Ehsani
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Roxana Ehsani, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian, a board-confirmed expert in sports dietetics, and a public media representative. She has a four year college…
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—Written by Jill Castle (Nutritionist)
Jill Castle (Nutritionist)
Jill Castle, MS, RDN, is a distinguished Pediatric Dietitian, accomplished 6-time author, and sought-after Keynote Speaker. Know More. Learn about our editorial process.
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Updated on April 11, 2026
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We continuously monitor the health landscape and update our articles to reflect the latest evidence.

Updated on April 11, 2026

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—Published on January 15, 2024
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The Fast Facts

  • 6 Intermittent Fasting is an eating pattern in which you fast for an 18 hour period and then you have a 6 hour window to consume your meals.
  • 4 Intermittent Fasting is a type of fasting where you fast for 20 hours each day and eat all your meals within a 4-hour window.
  • 4 Intermittent Fasting can help to improve mental clarity, as you are able to reduce stress and give your mind a break during the fasting period.
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Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to lose weight, improve health, and increase energy. Many people are now considering different methods of intermittent fasting, such as 20:4 and 18:6. While both can help you achieve your goals, there are some key differences between the two that make 20:4 Intermittent Fasting a better choice for many people. In this article, we’ll discuss why 20:4 Intermittent Fasting is better than 18:6 and how it can help you reach your goals.

What is 20:4 Intermittent Fasting?

20:4 Intermittent Fasting is a type of fasting where you fast for 20 hours each day and eat all your meals within a 4-hour window. This type of fasting can help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health.

It is important to get enough nutrients during the 4-hour window and to make sure that you are eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods during that time. 20:4 Intermittent Fasting is a great way to improve your health and help you reach your health goals.

What is 18:6 Intermittent Fasting?

18:6 Intermittent Fasting is an eating pattern in which you fast for an 18 hour period and then you have a 6 hour window to consume your meals. This form of fasting is designed to help you lose weight and improve your overall health.

It can also help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar levels. During your fasting period, you should only drink water, tea, and other non-caloric beverages.

During your eating window, you should aim to consume nutritious, whole foods and limit processed and sugary foods. 18:6 Intermittent Fasting is easy to follow and can be an effective way to get to your health goals.

8 Reasons Why is 20:4 Intermittent Fasting better Than 18:6?

1 20:4 Intermittent Fasting allows for more flexibility in terms of when you can eat, as you are given a larger window of time to eat each day.

2 20:4 Intermittent Fasting can be easier to stick to as you are able to eat for a longer period of time each day.

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3 20:4 Intermittent Fasting can help to reduce hunger and cravings, as you are able to eat more frequently throughout the day.

4 20:4 Intermittent Fasting may be better for weight loss as it can help to reduce overall calorie intake, as you are eating fewer meals.

5 20:4 Intermittent Fasting may be better for people who are trying to build muscle, as it can help to maximize muscle growth while minimizing fat gain.

6 20:4 Intermittent Fasting can help to improve energy levels, as you are able to get more rest during the fasting period.

7 20:4 Intermittent Fasting can help to improve digestion, as you are able to give your digestive system a break during the fasting period.

8 20:4 Intermittent Fasting can help to improve mental clarity, as you are able to reduce stress and give your mind a break during the fasting period.

Is 20:4 Intermittent Fasting really better than 18:6?

20:4 Intermittent Fasting is a popular diet that involves eating within a specific window of time and fasting for the majority of the day. The 20:4 diet is more restrictive than the 18:6 diet, as it requires fasting for 20 hours each day and eating within a 4 hour window.

While some studies suggest that this more restrictive diet may be more effective at weight loss and other health benefits, it is important to note that this is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

There is no definitive answer as to which diet is truly better, as each individual’s needs and preferences should be taken into consideration when choosing a diet plan.

Bottom Line.

Overall 20:4 Intermittent Fasting is better than 18:6 due to the longer fasting window, which can help with weight loss, autophagy, and improved cognitive function. Additionally, 20:4 Intermittent Fasting can help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and increase energy levels. Ultimately, 20:4 Intermittent Fasting is the healthier and more beneficial option for those looking to lose weight and improve their overall health.

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ⓘ SOURCES 🕖 HISTORY

Verywel Fit follows strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and reputable medical organizations. We only use high-quality, credible sources to ensure the accuracy and integrity of our content.

    Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

    Current Version
    Apr 11, 2026

    Written By: Jill Castle (Nutritionist)

    Reviewed By: Roxana Ehsani

    Jan 15, 2024

    Written By: Jill Castle (Nutritionist)

    Reviewed By: Roxana Ehsani

    The dietary recommendations provided here are based on research and expert review. Individual needs vary — please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist before changing your diet. Know More

    Jill Castle (Nutritionist)

    Author
    Jill Castle, MS, RDN, is a distinguished Pediatric Dietitian, accomplished 6-time author, and sought-after Keynote Speaker. Know More. Learn about our editorial process.

    Roxana Ehsani

    Dietitian
    Roxana Ehsani, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian, a board-confirmed expert in sports dietetics, and a public media representative. She has a four year college…

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