Impact of Chronotype-Based Time-Restricted Eating on Visceral Fat and Metabolic Health in Physically Inactive Adults With Central Obesity

Impact of Chronotype-Based Time-Restricted Eating on Visceral Fat and Metabolic Health in Physically Inactive Adults With Central Obesity

Time-restricted eating (TRE) has gained attention as a promising dietary strategy for enhancing body composition and metabolic health. This innovative eating pattern involves confining daily food intake to a specific window, typically spanning 6-10 hours. Given the lack of consensus on the optimal TRE strategy, this research explores whether tailoring eating windows to individual chronotypes enhances TRE outcomes. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of chronotype-matched versus chronotype-unmatched TRE protocols, compared to a control group, over a 12-week period on visceral fat mass and other metabolic health outcomes in physically inactive adults with central obesity. Additionally, the study seeks to determine whether chronotype-matched TRE offers greater benefits in terms of visceral fat reduction and metabolic improvements compared to chronotype-unmatched TRE. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and after the 12-week intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Chinese adults, male or female, aged between 18-65 years old;
2. BMI of 23 kg/m² or higher, with a waist circumference exceeding 80 cm for females and 90 cm for males;
3. Weight stability for at least three months prior to the start of the study;
4. Physically inactive, indicated by not meeting established WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior (i.e., at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise; or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week;
5. Baseline eating duration exceeding 12 hours per day;
6. Identified as either early or late chronotypes (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals currently or chronically receiving pharmacological treatment for hypertension, diabetes, weight loss, or other metabolic conditions;
2. Night shift workers;
3. Individuals with eating disorders;
4. Female participants who are breast-feeding, pregnant, or attempting to become pregnant;
5. Individuals currently participating in other weight-management programs or following other prescribed diet programs.