- Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland report that time-restricted eating and calorie counting lead to similar weight loss results.
- The study suggests time-restricted eating naturally results in a reduction of about 200 to 550 calories per day.
- Experts say this eating pattern can work well for some people, but the quality and quantity of what you eat still matters most.
The weight loss results of time-restricted eating are nearly identical to traditional calorie counting, according to a study from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Time-restricted eating is a dieting method that defines which hours of the day a person consumes daily calories. Also known as intermittent fasting, popular fasting schedules include 16:8 (fasting for 16 hours, eating in an 8-hour window), or the once-weekly 24-hour fast while following a relaxed eating schedule throughout the rest of the week.
Specific calorie counting is generally not part of time-restricted eating.
Past research and promoters of time-restricted eating have stated this diet pattern improves longevity, encourages weight loss through nutritional ketosis, decreases the risk of various diseases, and improves cognition.
In their randomized controlled trial, researchers looked at 41 adults with obesity and prediabetes.
They randomly assigned the participants to follow a fasting schedule or to count calories. Both groups received identical prepared meals with specific directions on when to eat.
Participants assigned to time-restricted eating followed a 14:10 fasting schedule — fasting for 14 hours and eating between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They consumed most of their calories before 1 p.m.
Participants assigned to general calorie counting ate between 8 a.m. and midnight, consuming most of their calories in the evening.
After three months, participants in both groups were assessed for weight loss and changes in fasting glucose levels, waist circumference, blood pressure,…
Read the full article here
