Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a form of fasting where individuals eat within a specific time window each day. A recent study found that combining TRE with standard nutritional counseling can lead to improvements in glucose control and weight loss for adults with metabolic syndrome. The randomized controlled trial involved 108 participants who were tracked using the myCircadianClock (mCC) app. Results showed that those in the TRE group experienced greater reductions in fat mass and improvements in glucose control compared to those following standard dietary guidance alone. The study aimed to evaluate personalized TRE as a lifestyle intervention, in addition to standard nutritional counseling, and found modestly greater improvements in glucose control and weight and fat mass reduction with TRE.
Time-restricted eating has gained popularity as a method for weight management through intermittent fasting, typically involving an 8 to 12-hour eating window each day. Research suggests that TRE may offer various health benefits, including weight loss, improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels, enhanced cognitive function, and improved insulin sensitivity. Participants in the study were randomly divided into two groups, with one receiving standard nutritional advice and the other following a personalized 8 to 10-hour eating window. Using the mCC app, researchers monitored the intervention over a three-month period, focusing on changes in fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels. The TRE group showed a greater reduction in weight, with a significant proportion from fat, as well as improvements in blood sugar control and hemoglobin A1c levels compared to the standard guidance group.
First author Emily N C Manoogian explained that TRE was deemed safe and beneficial for adults with metabolic syndrome, showing improvements in blood sugar levels, LDL cholesterol, and body composition. The study highlighted a decrease in Type 2 Diabetes risk, consistent with the Diabetes Prevention Program. Medical experts, like Dr. Mir B Ali, supported the findings, stating that time-restricted eating can help individuals burn fat and lose weight when done alongside healthy food choices. More research is needed to fully understand the potential health impacts of TRE, but the study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting its efficacy in improving cardiometabolic health.
Manoogian emphasized that 8-10 hour TRE is an effective lifestyle intervention that can complement medications to improve cardiometabolic health, specifically glucose regulation, cholesterol levels, and weight. While longer-duration studies with more participants are necessary for further understanding the health impacts of TRE, the current research provides valuable insights into its benefits for metabolic syndromes. The use of the mCC app in the study also opens up opportunities for conducting future studies remotely and on a larger scale, potentially expanding the reach of research on TRE and its effects on health outcomes. In conclusion, combining time-restricted eating with standard nutritional counseling shows promise in improving glucose control and weight loss for adults with metabolic syndrome, offering a practical and potentially effective approach to managing cardiometabolic health.
