8-Hour Time Restricted Feeding Window deemed effective for Weight Loss

Over the course of 12 weeks, 23 obese subjects participated in an 8-hr time restricted feeding intervention, this means 8 hours of eating whatever they wanted (ad libitum), and the remaining 16 hours of that day consuming zero calories.

The study found that body weight and energy intake decreased in the time restricted group (–2.6% ± 0.5; –341 ± 53 kcal/d) relative to controls over 12 weeks (P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure decreased in the time restricted feeding group (–7 ± 2 mm Hg) versus controls (P < 0.05).

However, many biomarkers such as: fat mass, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, to name a few, showed no significant difference.

These findings suggest that 8-hr time restricted feeding produces mild caloric restriction and weight loss, without calorie counting. This could be a useful initial stepping stone on a weight loss journey.

To yield a greater understanding of the effects having a daily 16 hour fast, a study with a larger sample size would be beneficial.