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Calorie counting vs minute counting; Does nutrient timing matter for weight-loss?

  • University of Nottingham

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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Abstract

Purpose of review: To critically evaluate the latest evidence on the weight-loss effects of chrono-nutrition, culminating in identification of remaining gaps in the literature and future recommendations. 

Recent findings: There appear to be six articles on this topic published over the past 2 years that have ostensibly examined the weight-loss effects of chrono-nutrition strategies relative to comparator conditions involving standard eating patterns in which meal timing is not manipulated. Some of those studies have concluded that TRE may be superior to standard energy restriction for weight-loss but the data presented do not consistently support that inference. 

Summary: Chrono-nutrition strategies remain a popular dietary approach to weight-loss and yet there is a paucity of primary data showing that these strategies are more effective than any other means of eliciting a negative energy balance but without altering daily eating patterns.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)333-338
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
Volume28
Issue number4
Early online date1 Jul 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2025

Funding

J.A.B. is an investigator on research grants funded by BBSRC, MRC, NIHR, British Heart Foundation, Rare Disease Foundation, EU Hydration Institute, GlaxoSmithKline, Nestl\u00E9, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, ARLA foods, Cosun Nutrition Center, American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, Salus Optima (L3M Technologies Ltd), and the Restricted Growth Association; has completed paid consultancy for PepsiCo, Kellogg's, SVGC and Salus Optima (L3\u200AM Technologies Ltd); is Company Director of Metabolic Solutions Ltd; receives an annual honorarium as a member of the academic advisory board for the International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Nutrition; and receives an annual stipend as Editor-in Chief of International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. K.T. is an investigator on research grants funded by BBSRC, MRC, Wellcome Trust, Diabetes UK, Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation, Nestl\u00E9, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, SA International.

Funders
Medical Research Council
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
National Institute for Health and Care Research

Keywords

  • CIRCADIAN; ULTRADIAN; INFRADIAN; MEAL TIMING; CHRONO-NUTRITION; TIME RESTRICTED EATING; FASTING.
  • time-restricted eating
  • intermittent fasting
  • alternate-day fasting
  • body weight loss
  • chrono-nutrition

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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