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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
Beneficial effects of time-restricted fasting on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a meta-analysis
Zhengqi Qiu1, Emma Yun Zhi Huang2, Yufei Li1
1Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida WaiLong, Taipa, 999078, Macau, China.
Background:
Cardiovascular disease continues to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide, highlighting the need to explore innovative approaches to improve cardiovascular health outcomes. Time-restricted fasting (TRF) is a dietary intervention that involves limiting the time window for food consumption. It has gained attention for its potential benefits on metabolic health and weight management. This study aims to investigate the impact of TRF on key risk factors, including body weight, glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and lipid profile.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic search in five databases (Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science) for relevant studies up to January 2023. After applying inclusion criteria, 12 studies were eligible for analysis. Quality assessment was conducted using the ROB-2.0 tool and ROBINS-I. Risk of bias was mapped using Revman 5.3, and data analysis included Hartung-Knapp adjustment using R 4.2.2.
Results:
The group that underwent the TRF intervention exhibited a significant decrease in body weight (SMD: -0.22; 95%CI: -0.41, -0.04; P < 0.05) and fat mass (SMD: -0.19; 95%CI: -0.36, -0.02; P < 0.05), while maintaining lean mass (SMD: -0.09; 95%CI: -0.08, 0.26; P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
TRF has shown potential as a treatment strategy for reducing total body weight by targeting adipose tissue, with potential improvements in cardiometabolic function.
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