Time restricted eating (TRE) is an emerging dietary intervention for weight loss that is assumed to reinforce the metabolic benefits of nightly fasting/ketosis. A study which got recently published in ‘Nutrition and Diabetes’ suggested that TRE schedule combined with a commercial weight loss program significantly reduces weight and improves Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) values.

The 8-week, randomized, controlled, clinical trial included men and women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Study procedures were conducted remotely. Participants were randomized to 14:10 (caloric intake to a 10-hour window each day, essentially letting their bodies fast for 14 hours across every 24-hour cycle.) or 12-h TRE (12:12, active comparator) and prescribed a diet (controlled for calories and macronutrient composition) and exercise program that included weekly customized counseling and support. The primary outcome was change from baseline in body weight in the 14:10 group.

The results showed LS (least squares) mean change from baseline in weight in the 14:10 group was −8.5% and −7.1% in the 12:12. There was also a statistically significant LS mean change from baseline to week 8 in FBG. The interventions resulted in a larger reduction in FBG in participants with elevated FBG (≥100 mg/dl) at baseline.

The study concluded that in participants with obesity who completed 8 weeks of the 14:10 TRE schedule tailored with a commercial weight loss program, there was statistically significant and clinically meaningful weight loss and improvements in FBG. Notably, extending the fasting window from 12 to 14 h each day produced larger reductions in body weight and FB