A study led by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago suggests that the practice of time-restricted eating (or intermittent fasting) can result in weight loss comparable to the traditional method of calorie counting. This finding was observed among racially diverse adults who struggle with obesity.
In their research, the University of Illinois Chicago team discovered that intermittent fasting not only led to similar weight loss, but also enhanced insulin sensitivity, matching the effects of traditional calorie restriction among obese adults. Over a year, those who adhered to a time-restricted eating schedule consumed fewer calories and lost more weight than those who made no alterations to their dietary habits. More research is required, however, to fully understand how individual responses to these dietary modifications may vary.
A controlled trial indicated that intermittent fasting, otherwise known as time-restricted eating, resulted in weight loss outcomes equivalent to those seen with traditional calorie counting. The study further noted that participants who committed to an 8-hour time-restricted eating regime saw improved insulin sensitivity compared to the control group, which consumed calories without any time restriction over a day. The study’s findings were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The burden of obesity continues to be a significant health concern. Typical weight loss diets often revolve around counting calories, a method which can be burdensome and challenging to maintain. Consequently, time-restricted eating, which doesn’t require calorie counting, has gained traction as an easy-to-follow weight loss strategy. However, its effectiveness, particularly in the long term, remains unclear.
Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago undertook a study involving 90 obese adults from the Greater Chicago area to evaluate whether intermittent fasting or calorie-restricted eating would be more beneficial for weight control and the reduction of cardiometabolic risk.
The participants were randomly divided into three groups: those who followed an 8-hour time-restricted eating schedule (consuming food only from noon to 8:00 p.m. without counting calories); those who undertook calorie restriction (reducing their daily caloric intake by 25%); or those who did not change their calorie consumption, with their eating spread out over 10 or more hours throughout the day. Both the time-restricted eating and calorie-restriction groups had regular sessions with a dietician. Participant blinding was not implemented.
The researchers concluded that the group following time-restricted eating consumed 425 fewer calories per day and lost approximately 10 more pounds than the control group after a year. The calorie-restriction group consumed 405 fewer calories daily and lost around 12 more pounds after one year. High adherence to both interventions was noted among the participants.
An editorial linked to the study, authored by professionals from the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center and Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, suggests that the involvement of dieticians likely encouraged the restricted eating group to opt for healthier food choices.
The authors argue that these findings can support clinical decision-making, by factoring in individual dietary preferences and not merely selecting the most effective diet. They underscore that the study results illustrate considerable individual differences in weight loss when using these interventions, and assert that additional research is needed to ascertain who could potentially benefit the most from each of these strategies.
References:
“Summary for Patients: Time-Restricted Eating Without Calorie Counting for Weight Loss” 27 June 2023, Annals of Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.7326/P23-0003
“Time-Restricted Eating Without Calorie Counting for Weight Loss in a Racially Diverse Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial” by Shuhao Lin, MS, RD, Sofia Cienfuegos, PhD, Mark Ezpeleta, PhD, Kelsey Gabel, PhD, RD, Vasiliki Pavlou, MS, RD, Andrea Mulas, MS, RD, Kaitie Chakos, MS, RD, Mara McStay, MS, RD, Jackie Wu, MS, RD, Lisa Tussing-Humphreys, PhD, RD, Shaina J. Alexandria, PhD, Julienne Sanchez, MD, Terry Unterman, MD and Krista A. Varady, PhD, 27 June 2023, Annals of Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.7326/M23-0052
“Time-Restricted Eating for Treatment of Obesity? The Devil Is in the (Counseling) Details” by Adam H. Gilden, MD, MSCE and Victoria A. Catenacci, MD, 27 June 2023, Annals of Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.7326/M23-1396
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Intermittent Fasting
What was the purpose of the University of Illinois Chicago study?
The University of Illinois Chicago conducted a study to compare the weight loss effects of intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating) versus traditional calorie restriction among racially diverse adults with obesity.
What were the key findings of the study?
The study found that participants who engaged in time-restricted eating, or intermittent fasting, lost a similar amount of weight and improved their insulin sensitivity to a degree equivalent to those following traditional calorie restriction.
What were the dietary interventions used in the study?
Participants were divided into three groups: a group that followed an 8-hour time-restricted eating schedule (eating only from noon to 8:00 p.m. without counting calories), a group that followed a calorie restriction (reducing their daily caloric intake by 25%), and a control group that did not change their calorie consumption, spreading their eating over 10 or more hours a day.
Did the participants adhere to the dietary interventions?
Yes, the study found high adherence among the participants to both the time-restricted eating and calorie restriction interventions.
What is the significance of these study findings?
The study findings suggest that both time-restricted eating and traditional calorie restriction can be effective for weight loss and improving insulin sensitivity. The results can be used to guide clinical decision-making, taking into account individual dietary preferences and not merely the effectiveness of a diet.
What are the next steps for this research?
Further research is needed to understand the individual variability in weight loss using these interventions, and to determine who would most benefit from each of these interventions.
More about Intermittent Fasting
- Time-Restricted Eating Without Calorie Counting for Weight Loss
- Time-Restricted Eating for Weight Loss in a Racially Diverse Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Time-Restricted Eating for Treatment of Obesity? The Devil Is in the (Counseling) Details
6 comments
Interesting findings. I’ve tried both methods in the past. Found intermittent fasting to be more convenient, but everyone’s different i guess.
This is pretty cool stuff. I mean, who really has time to count calories all day anyway? If I can just eat within certain hours and get the same results, sign me up!
So if I eat all my calories in 8 hours instead of 10, i’ll lose more weight? Sounds like pseudo-science to me, but what do I know.
honestly i always thought fasting was just a fad. maybe theres something to it after all. might give it a shot for a few weeks.
really wish these research articles would make up their mind…one day it’s “eat small meals all day,” next its “only eat in this 8 hour window.” so confusing!
good to see more research being done on this! People need to know theres more than one way to lose weight. Not everyone is a calorie counter.