Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Weight Loss and Other Metabolic Parameters (TREAT trial)

Researchers randomly assigned 116 adults with overweight or obesity to one of two eating patterns for 12 weeks. One group ate only between noon and 8 p.m., while the other ate regular meals throughout the day. Neither group lost much weight, and the difference between them was not meaningful. The time-restricted group also appeared to lose more lean mass, meaning muscle and other non-fat tissue, and it did not clearly improve blood sugar, cholesterol, or blood pressure.

What this means for you: This study does not support buying a time-restricted-eating program for extra weight loss. An eight-hour eating window may suit some people, but it was not better than regular meal timing here, and the trial was short.