Research Explores Benefits of Time-Restricted Eating for Weight Management and Well-being

In a recent 14-week study conducted by the Weight Loss Medicine Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, researchers investigated the effectiveness of time-restricted eating (TRE) in promoting weight loss and improving health.

Study Details: The study involved adults aged 25 to 75 with obesity who received weight-loss treatment. Participants were divided into two groups: one practicing early time-restricted eating (eTRE) with an 8-hour eating window from 7:00 to 15:00, and the other following a control eating (CON) pattern with a window of 12 or more hours.

Key Findings:

1. Weight Loss: The eTRE group showed a more significant weight loss (average of -2.3 kg) compared to the control group.
2. Body Fat: While eTRE did not significantly affect body fat, it led to improvements in the ratio of fat loss to weight loss.
3. Caloric Intake: The effects of eTRE were comparable to reducing daily calorie intake by an additional 214 kcal.
4. Blood Pressure: eTRE participants experienced a decrease in diastolic blood pressure by 4 mm Hg.
5. Mood: The eTRE group reported improvements in mood, including reduced fatigue-inertia, increased vigor-activity, and decreased depression-dejection.

Secondary Analysis: In a secondary analysis involving 59 participants who completed the study, eTRE was found to be more effective for losing body fat and trunk fat than the control group.

Implications: This randomized clinical trial suggests that adopting early time-restricted eating may be a beneficial approach for weight management and improving certain aspects of cardiometabolic health. The findings also highlight potential positive effects on mood and blood pressure.

Conclusion: While further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of early time-restricted eating, this study provides valuable insights into a potential strategy for individuals looking to lose weight and enhance their overall well-being.

Note: The study was conducted between August 2018 and April 2020, involving 90 participants.

Reference: Humaira Jamshed, Felicia L. Steger, David R. Bryan, Joshua S. Richman, Amy H. Warriner, Cody J. Hanick, MS, Corby K. Martin, Sarah-Jeanne Salvy, Courtney M. Peterson. Effectiveness of Early Time-Restricted Eating for Weight Loss, Fat Loss, and Cardiometabolic Health in Adults With Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2022;182(9):953-962.