A recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has found that the amount of calories consumed plays a more significant role in weight loss than the timing of meals. The study, which looked at a 10-hour eating window for participants over a period of 12 weeks, provided prepared meals for the duration of the experiment.
Surprisingly, the study revealed that participants lost approximately the same amount of weight regardless of whether they followed a time-restricted eating schedule or a regular eating schedule. This unique design, in which researchers controlled what participants ate, sets it apart from other studies in the field.
Despite these findings, some experts caution that the study may not have captured the long-term benefits of time-restricted eating or how it translates to real-life scenarios. While some studies suggest that meal timing does matter for weight loss, others believe that the overall calorie intake is the most critical factor.
The ideal time-restricted eating schedule recommended by experts involves waiting an hour or two after waking up before having the first meal, and consuming the last meal at least three hours before bedtime. This eating pattern may not only aid in weight loss but also improve cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
In addition to weight management, time-restricted eating has been linked to other benefits such as better sleep and preventing late-night snacking, which can lead to weight gain. This approach may also provide a simpler alternative to traditional calorie counting for those looking to manage their weight effectively.