Time-Restricted Eating Effective for Weight Loss in T2D

A US randomized clinical trial found that time-restricted eating (TRE) without calorie counting was effective for weight loss and lowering of HbA_1c levels in T2D adults. Between January 25, 2022, and April 1, 2023, 75 adults (mean age of 55, 71% women) with T2D were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: 8-hour TRE (eating 12 to 8 pm only, without calorie counting), daily calorie restriction (CR, 25% energy restriction daily), or control. The mean HbA_1c level was 8.1%, and mean body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was 39. Participants in the TRE group were adherent with their eating window on a mean of 6.1 days per week, and 68% in the CR group were adherent with their prescribed calorie goals over 6 months. The mean reduction in energy intake was −313 kcal/d, −197 kcal/d, and −16 kcal/d for TRE, CR, and controls, respectively. Compared to controls, body weight decreased significantly in the TRE group (−3.56%) but not the CR group (−1.78%) by month 6; levels of HbA_1c decreased in the TRE (−0.91%) and CR (−0.94%) groups, with no differences between the TRE and CR groups. Time in euglycemic range, medication effect score, blood pressure, and plasma lipid levels did not differ among groups. No serious adverse events were reported, although medication changes and regular monitoring for patients using sulfonylureas and/or insulin may be required, particularly in the initial stages of the TRE diet. The findings suggest that TRE without calorie counting may be an effective diet strategy for weight loss and lowering of HbA_1c levels in adults with T2D and obesity. Source: https://jamanetwork.com/