This traditional action will help.
A recent study conducted by Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that the weight loss outcomes of time-restricted eating closely mirror those of traditional calorie counting methods.
Time-restricted eating, often referred to as intermittent fasting, involves regulating the hours during which daily caloric intake occurs. Popular fasting regimens include the 16:8 approach (fasting for 16 hours and consuming food within an 8-hour window) or a weekly 24-hour fast with relaxed eating patterns for the remainder of the week. Unlike traditional calorie counting, specific calorie tracking is typically not emphasized in time-restricted eating.
Proponents of time-restricted eating have previously claimed various health benefits, including improved longevity, weight loss through nutritional ketosis, reduced risk of diseases, and enhanced cognitive function. To investigate these claims, researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 41 adults with obesity and prediabetes.
Participants were randomly assigned to either follow a time-restricted eating schedule or engage in calorie counting. Both groups received prepared meals with instructions on meal timing.
Those in the time-restricted eating group adhered to a 14:10 fasting schedule, fasting for 14 hours and eating between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the majority of calories consumed before 1 p.m. Conversely, participants in the calorie counting group consumed their meals between 8 a.m. and midnight, with a focus on evening calorie intake.
After three months, both groups were evaluated for weight loss and changes in various health indicators, including fasting glucose levels, waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid levels. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups, indicating comparable outcomes in terms of weight loss and health improvements.
Dr. Julie Manasseh, an obesity medicine specialist at Weight Journey: Medical Weight Loss, emphasized that the benefits attributed to intermittent fasting are likely a result of calorie restriction rather than fasting itself. While she supports intermittent fasting as a weight loss strategy, she suggests that the observed benefits stem from the weight loss process.
Registered dietitian Shetal Desai Rautela echoed the importance of critically evaluating nutrition research findings. She highlighted conflicting reports on the efficacy of intermittent fasting, emphasizing the need for personalized discussions with healthcare providers before embarking on any diet plan.
Rautela cautioned against the potential challenges of sustaining intermittent fasting long-term, emphasizing the importance of choosing a dietary approach that aligns with individual preferences and lifestyle factors. Ultimately, she stressed the significance of adopting a sustainable and healthy approach to weight loss, tailored to each person’s needs and goals.
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