Time-restricted Feeding as a Dietary Strategy Against Metabolic Disturbances in Humans

Time-restricted Feeding as a Dietary Strategy Against Metabolic Disturbances in Humans

This human dietary intervention study with a cross-over design aims to compare the effects of two isocaloric diets - early time-restricted feeding (TRF) vs. late TRF - on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in overweight and obese women.

The participants are randomly allocated to one of two study groups: In study group (A) participants will begin with the early TRF (e-TRF) intervention. They will consume their habitual food (and the habitual daily amount of food) between 8 am and 4 pm for two weeks. After a washout-phase participants will conduct the late TRF (l-TRF) and consume their habitual food between 1 pm and 9 pm for another two weeks. Study group (B) receives the same interventions in the reversed order. Both dietary regimens will result in 8-hr eating period and 16-hr fasting period during the 24h day.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 25-35 kg/m²

Exclusion Criteria:

• prior diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes
• weight changes > 5% within past 3 months
• current shift work or history of shift work
• traveled across more than one time zone one month before the study
• poor quality of sleep (PSQI score>10)
• eating disorders, food intolerance/allergy, severe indigestion
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• severe internal or psychiatric disorders or other conditions that might influence the outcome of the study