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Abstract

Context

Although it is well established that caloric restriction (CR) is the primary driver of weight loss, circadian-driven metabolic benefits have been recognized as possibly enhancing the effects of CR. Time-restricted eating (TRE) has emerged as a promising approach in this context.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of TRE with isocaloric diet controls (analysis 1) and non-isocaloric controls (analysis 2) on anthropometric and body-composition parameters in adults with overweight or obesity.

Data Sources

A search was carried out in the Medline, LILACS, Embase, and CENTRAL databases using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) and similar terms such as “Obesity,” “Obesity, Abdominal,” “Time-restricted eating,” “Body weight,” “Changes in body weight,” and others.

Data Extraction

We included 30 studies involving a total of 1341 participants. Studies were screened based on titles and abstracts followed by full-text reading, and data were extracted from eligible studies using a pre-established form. All these steps were performed by 2 authors independently and blinded, with discrepancies resolved by a third author.

Data Analysis

The results of main findings revealed that, in studies using non-isocaloric controls, the TRE group showed significant reductions in body weight (BW) (mean difference [MD]: –2.82 kg; 95% CI: –3.49, –2.15), fat mass (FM) (MD: –1.36 kg; 95% CI: –2.09, –0.63), and fat-free mass (FFM) (MD: –0.86 kg; 95% CI: –1.23, –0.49). In studies that used isocaloric control strategies, the TRE group showed significant reductions in BW (MD: –1.46 kg; 95% CI: –2.65, –0.26), FM (MD: –1.50 kg; 95% CI: –2.77, –0.24), and FFM (MD: –0.41 kg; 95% CI: –0.79, –0. 03).

Conclusion

TRE yields favorable anthropometric and clinical outcomes, even when intake is isocaloric between the intervention and control groups. This result suggests that circadian effects may enhance the impact of CR on excess weight.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022301594.

time-restricted eating, obesity, caloric restriction, body weight
© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact [email protected] for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact [email protected].
This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://dbpia.nl.go.kr/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights)
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META-ANALYSIS
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