Combining Time-Restricted Eating and High-Intensity Functional Training: A Winning Combination for Health and Weight Loss

Saturday - May 4 2024, 00:12 UTC - 9 months ago

A new study suggests that combining time-restricted eating (limiting when individuals eat) with high-intensity functional training (combining intense aerobic and resistance exercise) may lead to significant weight loss and improvements in body composition and markers of cardiometabolic health. The study included 64 women with obesity who were assigned to one of three groups: time-restricted eating, high-intensity functional training, or a combination of both. After 12 weeks, all three groups showed significant weight loss and favorable changes in lipid and glucose levels, with the most significant changes seen in the group combining both methods. This study adds to the growing body of research supporting the potential benefits of time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional training for weight loss and improved health.

Losing weight and improving cardiometabolic health are common goals for many individuals. However, finding an effective and sustainable way to achieve these goals can be challenging. Recent research suggests that combining two methods - time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional training - may lead to even greater success.

In a new study published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers from the University of Sfax, Tunisia, along with their colleagues, investigated the impact of time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional training on body composition and markers of cardiometabolic health. Time-restricted eating involves limiting the hours during which individuals eat, while high-intensity functional training combines intense aerobic and resistance exercise.

The study included 64 women with obesity who were assigned to one of three groups: time-restricted eating (diet only), high-intensity functional training (exercise only), or a combination of time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional training (diet + exercise). The time-restricted eating group was only allowed to eat between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, while those in the functional training group worked out three days per week with an instructor.

After 12 weeks, all three groups showed significant weight loss and decreases in waist and hip circumference. Additionally, all groups showed favorable changes in lipid and glucose levels. However, there were some differences between groups. The diet + exercise and exercise-only groups saw improvements in fat-free mass and blood pressure, while the diet-only group did not.

The most significant changes were seen in the diet + exercise group, suggesting that combining the two methods may have a synergistic effect on body composition and cardiometabolic health. However, the researchers note that this was a relatively small study and it is challenging to determine the exact impact of each method independently.

The study's authors state: “Combining time-restricted eating with high-intensity functional training is a promising strategy to improve body composition and cardiometabolic health.” .

Time-restricted eating combined with high-intensity functional training may be the winning combination for weight loss and improved health. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of this approach, but the results of this study are promising.