Clinical Trial shows Time-Restricted Eating is More Effective for Weight Loss

Intermittent fasting has become a popular way to lose weight, and various types of intermittent fasting exist. One of these methods is time-restricted eating (TRE), which involves limiting your eating to a specific window of time each day. A recent study conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital compared early time-restricted eating (eTRE) with eating over a period of 12 or more hours and found that eTRE was more effective for weight loss.

The study involved 90 adults with obesity who received weight-loss treatment through the Weight Loss Medicine Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. All participants received weight-loss treatment and were randomized to eTRE plus energy restriction (ER) or control eating plus ER. The eTRE+ER group adhered to the intervention 6.0 days per week.

After 14 weeks, the eTRE+ER intervention was more effective for losing weight (−2.3 kg) than eating over a window of 12 or more hours, which resulted in a weight loss of −1.4 kg. The effects of eTRE+ER were equivalent to reducing calorie intake by an additional 214 kcal/d. However, eTRE+ER did not affect body fat or the ratio of fat loss to weight loss.

The study also found that eTRE+ER improved diastolic blood pressure and mood disturbances, including fatigue-inertia, vigor-activity, and depression-dejection. All other cardiometabolic risk factors, food intake, physical activity, and sleep outcomes were similar between groups.

These results suggest that early time-restricted eating can be an effective method for weight loss and improving diastolic blood pressure and mood. However, larger studies are needed to determine whether eTRE is effective for losing body fat.

Intermittent fasting may not be appropriate for everyone, and it is essential to make sure that you are getting adequate nutrition while limiting your food intake.

Conclusion

The study conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital suggests that early time-restricted eating can be an effective method for weight loss and improving diastolic blood pressure and mood. However, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness in losing body fat. If you are interested in trying intermittent fasting, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to determine if it is appropriate for you.