Time restricted feeding (TRF) is a novel type of intermittent calorie restriction diet that involves eating a daily period of 8 hours or less. A randomized controlled trial on 139 patients was done to evaluate the effect of time restricted feeding (TRF) on weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese adults over 12 months was compared to continuous energy restriction (CER). TRF Participants received a diet of 1500-1800kcal/d for men and 1200-1500kcal/d for women during a window of 8 h/d (8 am to 4 pm). CER Participants received a diet of 1500-1800kcal/d for men and 1200-1500kcal/d for women, without a restriction of feeding time.

The mean weight loss from baseline at 12 months was −8.0 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], −9.6 to −6.4) in the time-restriction group and −6.3 kg (95% CI, −7.8 to −4.7) in the daily-calorie-restriction group. Changes in weight were not significantly different in the two groups at the 12-month assessment (net difference, −1.8 kg; 95% CI, −4.0 to 0.4; P=0.11). Results of secondary outcome analyses such as waist circumferences, BMI, body fat, body lean mass, blood pressure, and metabolic risk factors were consistent with the results of the primary outcome. There were no substantial differences between the groups in the numbers of adverse events. Hence, the results of the regimen of CER and TRF was comparable regarding the reduction in body weight, body fat, or metabolic risk factors. 

Source: Liu D et al. N Engl J Med 2022; 386:1495-1504