High-Protein Time-Restricted Eating Alongside Resistance Training Reduces Adipose Tissue While Preserving Fat-Free...

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a popular dietary strategy.
• Combining TRE with resistance training (RT) shows potential for improving body composition.
• Investigating the impact of high-protein intake alongside TRE and RT is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effects of TRE and high-protein intake on visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue, leptin, and ghrelin.
• To assess these effects in young overweight women undergoing resistance training.
• To determine the combined impact of diet and exercise on body composition and hormonal markers.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two overweight women (BMI 25-30 kg/m2, ages 18-30) were randomized into four groups: TRE with high protein (THP), TRE with regular protein, high protein only (HP), and regular protein only.
• All participants followed a 25% calorie-restricted diet and engaged in resistance training.
• High-protein groups consumed 1.6 g·kg-1·day-1 of protein; body composition and blood biomarkers were measured.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue were observed across all groups (p < .001).
• The THP group showed the most substantial decrease in VAT.
• Leptin levels decreased significantly in all groups, with notable differences between THP and other groups. Ghrelin levels remained unchanged. High-protein groups increased fat-free mass.

Conclusions:

• An 8-week intervention combining TRE, high-protein intake, and RT effectively reduced VAT, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and leptin in overweight women.
• This combined approach helped preserve muscle mass.
• Plasma ghrelin levels were not significantly altered by the intervention.