Scientists have unveiled the most effective strategy for weight loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes: time-restricted eating between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. This method resulted in greater weight loss compared to counting calories, although both approaches showed improvements in blood sugar levels. Experts do suggest seeking professional guidance before adopting this technique, as there may be medication-related considerations.
Research indicates that time-restricted eating is more successful in weight loss for type 2 diabetes patients than merely counting calories.
Weight loss is a common aim for those with type 2 diabetes due to its significant association with being overweight or obese. The most effective dieting strategy for those with this metabolic disease has been unclear until now.
A recent scientifically controlled trial involving type 2 diabetes patients demonstrated that participants who limited their eating to the hours between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. lost more weight than those who aimed to reduce their calorie intake by counting them. Both approaches, however, led to similar enhancements in blood sugar control.
“Counting calories is often seen as challenging over an extended period, yet our research reveals that merely watching the time could provide a straightforward way to cut calories and shed pounds,” noted Vicky Pavlou, RDN, a Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, who conducted the study. “Though time-restricted eating is growing in popularity, no other research has examined an eight-hour eating window for those with type 2 diabetes.”
Pavlou announced the results at NUTRITION 2023, the American Society for Nutrition’s yearly main conference.
Historical Research and Recent Insights
Previous studies have explored time-restricted eating within an eight-hour window in those dealing with obesity. This new research project, directed by Krista Varady, a nutrition professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, sought to understand the potential advantages of this method for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Involving 75 participants, aged between 18 and 80, from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, all diagnosed with obesity and type 2 diabetes, the study divided them into three categories: time-restricted eating, calorie restriction, or a control group. The first group ate only between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., the second restricted calories using the MyFitnessPal app aiming for a 25% reduction of their maintenance calories, and the control group continued their normal diet.
After a six-month inquiry, the researchers found that those on the time-restricted eating plan lost 3.55% of their body weight compared to the control group, equivalent to a 275-pound person losing almost 10 pounds. In contrast, the calorie-restricted group did not lose any weight compared to the control. Blood sugar levels (HbA1C) fell in both the time-restricted (-.91%) and calorie-restricted (-.95%) groups relative to the control group.
Cardiometabolic Risks and Warnings
The study also evaluated if these dieting techniques enhanced cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the weight loss with time-restricted eating did not achieve the typical 5% necessary for these improvements. The use of cholesterol and blood pressure medications among the participants further complicated observations of improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors.
Pavlou concluded, “Time-restricted eating appears to be a viable alternative for those with type 2 diabetes wishing to lose weight and better their blood sugar levels. Yet, the variety of medications used for type 2 diabetes, some of which can lead to low blood sugar or require intake with food, underlines the importance of collaborating with a dietitian or physician when employing this dieting strategy.”
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: time-restricted eating
What is the most effective dieting strategy for losing weight with type 2 diabetes according to the study?
Time-restricted eating between noon and 8 p.m. has been shown to lead to more weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients compared to calorie counting, although both methods improve blood sugar levels.
Who conducted the research and where was it presented?
The research was conducted by Vicky Pavlou, RDN, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the findings were presented at NUTRITION 2023, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.
Did both time-restricted eating and calorie counting have the same effect on blood sugar levels?
Yes, both time-restricted eating and calorie counting displayed similar improvements in blood sugar levels, even though the weight loss results were different between the two methods.
What was the age range of the study participants, and how were they categorized?
The study included 75 people ranging from 18 to 80 years old, all diagnosed with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants were placed into one of three groups: time-restricted eating, calorie restriction, or control.
What were the specific results of the study regarding weight loss and blood sugar levels?
Participants observing time-restricted eating lost 3.55% of their body weight relative to the control group, equivalent to almost 10 pounds for a person weighing 275 pounds. Blood sugar levels (HbA1C) decreased by -.91% in the time-restricted group and -.95% in the calorie restriction group compared to the control group.
What precautions should be taken when considering this dieting approach?
It is essential to work closely with a dietitian or doctor when implementing this dieting approach due to the variety of medications for type 2 diabetes, some of which can cause low blood sugar or need to be taken with food.
More about fokus keyword: time-restricted eating
- University of Illinois at Chicago’s Nutrition Department
- American Society for Nutrition’s NUTRITION 2023 Conference
- MyFitnessPal Mobile App
English 
Español 
Русский 
Deutsch 
Français 
Português
5 comments
wow! never knew time-restricted eating could be so effective for diabetes. Might try it myself, need to consult with my doc first though.
Interesting stuff but i think more research needed. Not sure it’s that easy to stick to those eating hours!
Theres always something new in the diet world, but this sounds promising. Especially if it helps with type 2 diabetes!
i think this is great but what about the other health factors? like cholesterol and blood pressure meds, They didnt really lose enough weight to make a difference there…
Im on calorie counting and its hard. Might give this a try; blood sugar is a big concern for me.