Not only what we eat, but also when we eat our meals has a significant impact on our body weight. Limiting food intake to certain times of the day can be particularly helpful in losing weight.
A research team including experts from the University of Southern California examined the effect of restricting the time of daily food intake on adolescents with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The results are published in a special issue of the “Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic” (JAND).
Limit food intake to a certain time?
The timing of food intake is an important factor in intermittent fasting, a diet that has become increasingly popular in recent years for weight loss. This diet alternates periods of eating with periods of not eating, explains study author Dr. Krista Varady in a press release.
In the new study, the experts investigated the extent to which intermittent fasting, which limits food intake to eight hours a day (12 noon to 8 p.m.), can have positive effects on adolescents with obesity and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
There were no specifications as to which foods should be consumed, and the focus was on the effects on body weight, the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, sleep, physical performance and blood sugar levels.
Weight loss due to later food intake
The limited late window for food intake led to clinically significant weight loss, a reduction in alanine transaminase and a significant calorie reduction in the adolescents, without negatively affecting sleep, eating behavior or physical activity, the researchers report.
Many people find it difficult to stick to a diet that restricts calorie intake, which is also due to the fact that they have to constantly pay attention to the foods they eat and the associated calorie intake. Intermittent fasting can help here, as only the time of day they eat needs to be taken into account.
In addition, intermittent fasting does not require special expensive foods, which is particularly beneficial for people with limited resources, the experts add.
However, while a healthy body weight is important, a diet with a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods (such as fruits, vegetables and legumes) also remains crucial.
“The results presented in this special issue have important clinical implications. I believe that the timing of food intake will become increasingly important as we look at nutritional interventions related to risk factors for chronic diseases,” concluded Prof. Dr. Linda G. Snetselaar, Editor-in-Chief of JAND. (as)