How do you keep productive doing this? When I fast for more than 16h, my ability to focus decreases a lot. I don't have this luxury as a software developer. Sure I can fast in the weekend, but holy sh*t, my weekends aren't for suffering. It's the time I spend with my family.

Perhaps check [1] for practical tips. (I found this link through the page on gwern.net someone else linked to).

[1] https://gettingstronger.org/2010/11/learning-to-fast/

Totally this. Of course Anecdata etc etc. I lost almost 40 lbs this year with 5-2 and exercise 3-4 times a week and have been able to maintain my goal weight doing 6-1. I don't eat anything crazy when I am eating. Just less carbs and more protein. I am also vegetarian.

How do you know it wasn’t just the exercise and fewer calories?

I guess they don't know for sure, but from the OP:

> Intermittent fasting seems to confer health benefits to a greater extent than can be attributed just to a reduction in caloric intake.

The fewer calories are part of the idea...

Any tips on scheduling exercise when you are starting out on 5-2?

I'm curious how you feel when you skip the usual meal time. When I start feeling ~hungry and willingly avoid eating, I naturally feel "stressed" but I can sometimes channel the void into another activity. It's as if going full head on this other topic 'feeds' my brain chemically.

Not sure why this has been downvoted. This is absolutely correct and verified by dozens of studies.

Can you please link a few? I’m compiling material.