An Observational Study of a Time-Restricted Eating Regimen on a Cohort of Participants at an Intermittent Fasting Clinic

Abstract

Overweight and obesity prevalence present significant health challenges on a global scale. Hence, the objective was to explore the effects of atime restricted eating(TRE) protocol on a specific group of participants for weight-loss management. This was an observational study with participants recruited from a specialized clinic, the Intermittent Fasting Research Foundation, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, over a period of 6-months. Obesity was evaluated using the BMI and all Anthropometric parameters were quantified using the bioelectrical impedance method. First month was completed by 239 participants, followed by 224 in the second month, 89 in the third month, 39,19 and 8 for the fourth, fifth and sixth month respectively. A severe attrition rate was observed due to either having achieved goals or difficulty in following protocol. Each patient was provided a personalized diet and TRE under medical supervision, tailored to their specific needs and weight loss objectives. We consistently observed a statistically significant overall decrease in body weight, BMI, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and waist circumference at one-month interval throughout the six-month study period. Furthermore, the absence of skeletal muscle mass loss suggests that the decrease in BMI was not due to muscle loss. These observations suggest that TRE may be a safe and effective intervention for overweight and obese individuals who are highly motivated.