Metabolic syndrome now affects one in three American adults, increasing their risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. But there is hope. Researchers have found that time-restricted eating, a popular eating strategy known for weight loss, could be a game-changer for people with metabolic syndrome.
Time-restricted eating, also known as intermittent fasting, involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. Studies show that this eating pattern aids weight loss, improves blood sugar control, and promotes heart health, making it a popular choice for overall health.
latest study An article published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that intermittent fasting can improve cardiometabolic health in those battling metabolic syndrome. Based on their findings, the researchers recommend dietary patterns as a more practical, low-cost intervention to improve cardiometabolic health, even in people already taking medications.
“Metabolic syndrome, especially when combined with prediabetes, represents a critical turning point in which the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease is greatly increased. We hope the results of this study will help others seeking to address people with metabolic syndrome problems, and reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Press release.
Researchers evaluated 108 participants in the TIMET study, which explored the benefits of a customized time-restricted eating plan in patients taking medications for metabolic syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group that restricted eating to 10 hours a day or a control group that did not restrict eating but received standard care.
At the end of the three-month trial, participants in the time-restricted diet group showed significant improvements in heart health, including blood sugar, cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels, that were consistent with more intensive interventions such as those from the U.S. The results obtained were comparable. They also found a decrease in body weight, body mass index, and abdominal fat without a decrease in lean muscle mass.
So how can time-restricted eating help? Satchidananda Panda, co-corresponding author of the study, explains that it works by re-harnessing the body's natural intelligence and harnessing its daily circadian rhythms to restore metabolism and improve health.
“Unlike expensive medications like Ozempic, which require lifelong use, a time-restricted diet is a simple lifestyle change that causes no side effects and can be maintained indefinitely. Patients realize they don't have to change their diet, just when they need to. Just eat and drink.