Is Time-Restricted Eating (Eating 12–8pm) More Effective for Weight Loss and Glycaemic Control than Calorie Restriction?

Abstract

This 6-month randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness and safety of time-restricted eating (TRE) compared to daily calorie restriction (CR) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. The study involved 75 participants and measured changes in body weight, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and metabolic risk factors. Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 different groups: (1) TRE (eating from 12 to 8pm, without calorie counting), (2) CR (25% energy restriction daily), (3) control. Results showed that the TRE group experienced statistically significant weight loss and reductions in HbA1c levels compared to the control group. However, the CR group did not show significant weight loss. No serious adverse events were reported. The study suggests that TRE could be an effective strategy for weight loss and glycaemic control in individuals with T2D, but further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings.