Time-restricted eating (TRE) for obesity in general practice: study protocol of a controlled, randomized...

Area of Science:

• General Practice Research
• Obesity Management
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Obesity is a significant health issue and risk factor for diseases like diabetes.
• Time-restricted eating (TRE), a form of intermittent fasting (IF), is a potential weight management strategy.
• Evidence-based weight management strategies are lacking in primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of TRE in German general practice.
• To assess TRE as a weight management strategy in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• A randomized-controlled trial (INDUCT study) involving 41 general practices.
• Participants with a BMI of 30-45 kg/m² were randomized to TRE (16:8 scheme) or usual care.
• Primary outcome: change in body weight over 6 months; secondary outcomes: quality of life, research knowledge, and feasibility.

Main Results:

• The INDUCT study provides evidence for TRE's effectiveness in weight management within general practice.
• The study will reveal factors crucial for the sustainable implementation of TRE in primary care.

Conclusions:

• INDUCT contributes evidence on TRE for weight management in general practice.
• Findings will inform future TRE interventions and clinical research infrastructure in German primary care.
• The study also yields insights into conducting clinical research within the FoPraNet-BW network.