A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrates that time-restricted eating (TRE) can significantly improve cardiometabolic health in individuals with metabolic syndrome and prediabetes. The trial, conducted by researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine and the Salk Institute, offers a promising, accessible intervention for managing this widespread condition.
TIMET Study Details
The TIMET (Time-restricted Eating in Metabolic Syndrome) study involved 108 adult patients with metabolic syndrome. Participants were randomized into either a TRE group or a control group, both receiving standard-of-care treatments and nutritional counseling on the Mediterranean diet. The TRE group followed a customized 10-hour eating window daily, starting at least one hour after waking and ending at least three hours before sleep. Participants used the myCircadianClock mobile app to log their meals, which researchers reviewed.
Significant Health Improvements
After three months, the TRE group exhibited notable improvements in key indicators of heart health. These improvements were comparable to those achieved through more intensive interventions, such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Specifically, the study observed a statistically significant improvement in hemoglobin A1c levels, a marker of blood glucose control.
Impact on Weight and Body Composition
TRE was also associated with reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal trunk fat, a type of fat closely linked to metabolic disease. Importantly, participants did not experience significant loss of lean muscle mass, a common concern with weight loss interventions. The average weight loss in the restricted eating group was about 6.6 pounds and primarily due to fat loss.
Expert Perspectives
"Metabolic syndrome, especially when paired with prediabetes, represents a critical tipping point in which the risk for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease is greatly increased," said Pam Taub, MD, co-corresponding author of the study and professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "We’re hopeful the findings of this study can help others who are looking to address their metabolic syndrome and reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes."
Satchidananda Panda, PhD, co-corresponding author of the study and professor at the Salk Institute, noted, "Our bodies actually process sugars and fats very differently depending on the time of day. In time-restricted eating, we are re-engaging the body’s natural wisdom and harnessing its daily circadian rhythms to restore metabolism and improve health."
Broader Implications
The findings from the TIMET trial contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting TRE as a practical and cost-effective strategy for improving cardiometabolic health. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers could consider recommending TRE as a complement to existing treatments for patients with metabolic syndrome. However, they also emphasize the need for additional long-term studies to determine whether TRE can sustain these benefits and ultimately reduce the risk of chronic disease.
"There is an urgent need for more effective treatment options that are accessible, affordable and sustainable for the average American," said Taub. "Our research demonstrates that lifestyle interventions, such as time-restricted eating, can have a meaningful impact on the trajectory of a person’s overall health."
