It’s because IF is anti-capitalist (anti-consumerism). You consume less processed food. You don’t pay crazy money for dumb diet tools (pills, drinks, equipment etc).
In fact, you challenge the social norms of mealtimes and the generally accepted “science” of doctors and nutritionists that we need to feed the body constantly to lose weight.
There aren’t many groups or organizations or companies willing to fund IF-related studies or any media spots for example. Why? There is no end-game of profits for anyone. There is nothing to sell. Let’s not forget that the majority of media is funded “news” especially something that’s lifestyle or part of their colour pieces.
We have a plethora of bogus studies on the benefits of cow’s milk, brown rice, sugar etc because all of these are funded by companies or commerce groups themselves, spinning the yarn of tall tales to brainwash society.
A healthy, self-regulating human being is the enemy of most corporations.