Effects of 4- and 6-h Time-Restricted Feeding on Weight and Cardiometabolic Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Obesity

Highlights

• 4- and 6-h time-restricted feeding regimens were tested in adults with obesity

• Both regimens produce similar weight loss over the 2 months of the study

• Both regimens reduce energy intake by ∼550 kcal per day without calorie counting

• Both regimens produce similar reductions in insulin resistance and oxidative stress

Summary

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimens have grown in popularity; however, very few studies have examined their weight-loss efficacy. We conducted the first human trial (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03867773) to compare the effects of two popular forms of TRF (4 and 6 h) on body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. Adults with obesity were randomized to 4-h TRF (eating only between 3 and 7 p.m.), 6-h TRF (eating only between 1 and 7 p.m.), or a control group (no meal timing restrictions). After 8 weeks, 4- and 6-h TRF produced comparable reductions in body weight (∼3%), insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, versus controls. Energy intake was reduced by ∼550 kcal/day in both TRF groups, without calorie counting. These findings suggest that 4- and 6-h TRF induce mild reductions in body weight over 8 weeks and show promise as interventions for weight loss. These diets may also improve some aspects of cardiometabolic health.