Time-restricted fasting may effect weight loss and improve cardiometabolic function: Study

The study suggests that time-restricted fasting interventions can effectively reduce fat mass and body weight while retaining lean body mass; indicating that subjects lost fat rather than muscle and water.

According to the study, the results showed slight differences when the calculation method was modified, for example, by introducing the Hartung-Knapp adjustment. Although the reduction in body fat percentage remained statistically significant, the researchers noted no significant difference in weight loss. However, a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure was observed in this context.

Time-restricted fasting, an eating pattern that limits food intake to a specific time window each day, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits. In recent years, researchers have conducted numerous studies to investigate its effects on various aspects of health, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

A meta-analysis pooling the results of these studies aimed to investigate the impact of TRF on key risk factors, including glucose metabolism, body weight, blood pressure, and lipid profile.

Juntao Kan, Nutrilite Health Institute, Shanghai, China, and colleagues conducted a systematic search in five databases for relevant studies up to January 2023. Twelve studies were eligible for analysis after applying inclusion criteria. Quality assessment was conducted using the ROBINS-I and ROB-2.0 tools. The risk of bias was mapped using Revman 5.3, and data analysis included Hartung-Knapp adjustment using R 4.2.2.

"The group that underwent the TRF intervention exhibited a significant decrease in body weight (SMD: -0.22) and fat mass (SMD: -0.19), while maintaining lean mass (SMD: -0.09)," the researchers reported.

In conclusion, the research showed that time-restricted fasting effectively reduces body weight and fat mass without affecting lean body mass, indicating a preference for fat loss.

This finding highlights the potential of TRF as a strategy for improving body composition. However, there is a need for further clinical trials to explore the underlying mechanisms and broader impacts of this intervention, particularly with cardiovascular health.

"Future research should aim to clarify gender-specific responses to TRF, considering differences in adipose tissue characteristics and metabolism," the researchers wrote. "This will enhance our understanding of the role of time-restricted fasting in promoting metabolic health."

Reference:

Qiu, Z., Huang, E.Y.Z., Li, Y. et al. Beneficial effects of time-restricted fasting on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a meta-analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 24, 210 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-024-03863-6