This study seems a little weird (crap) in that they started with a hardcore twice a week fast for a month then dialed it back to once a week. Unless I missed it, I don't see an explanation of why this approach was taken in the paper.

Given the subjects were high cholesterol and/or diabetic, it makes me think their life styles sucked already. I couldn't imagine living like then suddenly being told to stop eating for entire days. I would not be shocked if people didn't really adhere to the guidelines. It seems a food diary was the only thing keeping them "honest". Also a staggering 40% of all participants refused to answer how much alcohol they consumed on average.

If you are going crazy with food or lack of exercise for 6 out of 7 days, I don't think taking a break for one day a week is going to make much of a difference.