A pilot feasibility study exploring the effects of a moderate time-restricted feeding intervention on energy intake, adiposity and metabolic physiology in free-living human subjects

• Published in: Journal of nutritional science (Cambridge) Vol. 7
• Main Authors: Antoni, Rona, Robertson, Tracey M., Robertson, M. Denise, Johnston, Jonathan D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 2018
• Subjects: adiposity; breakfast; Chrononutrition; Circadian rhythms; dinner; drinking; energy intake; fasting; feasibility studies; feeding patterns; Food intake; glucose; humans; insulin; Intermittent fasting; lipids; Metabolism; questionnaires; Circadian rhythms; Chrononutrition; Metabolism; Food intake; Intermittent fasting
• ISSN: 2048-6790; 2048-6790
• DOI: 10.1017/jns.2018.13

This pilot study explored the feasibility of a moderate time-restricted feeding (TRF) intervention and its effects on adiposity and metabolism. For 10 weeks, a free-living TRF group delayed breakfast and advanced dinner by 1·5 h each. Changes in dietary intake, adiposity and fasting biochemistry (glucose, insulin, lipids) were compared with controls who maintained habitual feeding patterns. Thirteen participants (29 (sem 2) kg/m2) completed the study. The average daily feeding interval was successfully reduced in the TRF group (743 (sem 32) to 517 (sem 22) min/d; P < 0·001; n 7), although questionnaire responses indicated that social eating/drinking opportunities were negatively impacted. TRF participants reduced total daily energy intake (P = 0·019) despite ad libitum food access, with accompanying reductions in adiposity (P = 0·047). There were significant between-group differences in fasting glucose (P = 0·008), albeit driven primarily by an increase among controls. Larger studies can now be designed/powered, based on these novel preliminary qualitative and quantitative data, to ascertain and maximise the long-term sustainability of TRF.