Time-restricted eating and its metabolic benefits in obesity and insulin resistance

This study aimed to critically review the potential effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on lipemic and glycemic control, as well as certain inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, in individuals with obesity and insulin resistance.

A critical review of the relevant published articles (56 original articles) from 2007 to 2025 was carried out using several search engines, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: TRE, insulin resistance, inflammatory biomarkers, and blood glucose.

TRE shows potential in improving glycemic and lipemic control in obese individuals with insulin resistance, although its effect on inflammatory markers such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 remains inconsistent. Mechanistic studies suggest that activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suppression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and ketosis help enhance glucose metabolism, promote autophagy, boost mitochondrial function, and lower triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Despite these benefits, human trial results are mixed, with inconsistencies mainly caused by small sample sizes, varying TRE protocols, and differences in study design and populations characteristics.

The effect of TRE is contradictory regarding body weight, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and pro-inflammatory status. Furthermore, a well-designed, randomized controlled trial with a long study duration is warranted to investigate the effectiveness of TRE, as it would provide critical insights into the sustainability and broader health impact of this dietary approach.