Time-Restricted Eating and Its Metabolic Benefits

Abstract

Newer management strategies are being evaluated to treat obesity, which continues to increase worldwide. After 12 h of fasting, the body switches from glucose to fat metabolism, regulating protein synthesis and autophagy. These cellular responses are central to the metabolic benefits of time-restricted eating (TRE), independent of calorie restriction and weight loss, and they have heightened interest in TRE regimens. Controversy remains, however, regarding the benefits of TRE regimens. We reviewed the current literature and concluded that TRE is equivalent to calorie restriction for weight loss and has positive effects for patients with diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: circadian rhythm; fasting; lifestyle; time restricted; weight loss.

Figure 1

Types of calorie-deficit eating patterns.

Figure 2

Cellular response to energy restriction. AMPK, AMP kinase; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; cAMP, cyclic AMP; CHO, carbohydrate; CoA, coenzyme A; FOXOs, forkhead box Os; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor 1; mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin; PGC-1α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α; PKA, protein kinase A; NAD, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; NRF2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; redox, reduction–oxidation, SIRTS, sirtuins (from [11], used with permission).