Intermittent fasting, particularly time-restricted eating (TRE), has gained popularity as a method for weight loss and health improvement.
A new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2025 reveals that limiting food intake to an 8-hour window can lead to lasting weight loss, regardless of the time of day the eating window occurs.
Researchers in Spain studied 99 adults with overweight or obesity over 12 weeks. Participants were assigned to one of four groups: habitual eating (12+ hour window), early TRE (eating before 10 a.m.), late TRE (eating after 1 p.m.), or self-selected TRE.
After 12 weeks, all TRE groups lost significantly more weight and reduced waist and hip measurements compared to the habitual eating group.
Importantly, 12 months after the study ended, participants practicing TRE maintained their weight loss, while those in the habitual eating group regained weight and increased waist circumference.
This suggests TRE is not only effective for initial weight loss but also for maintaining healthier body weight over time.
Lead researcher Dr. Alba Camacho-Cardenosa highlights that TRE naturally reduces calorie intake without strict dieting and could improve long-term health by reducing risks associated with obesity.
Future research aims to explore how combining TRE with exercise impacts heart and metabolic health and to tailor eating windows for individual needs.
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