Time-restricted eating increases hunger in adults with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Abstract

Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) is an intermittent fasting approach that holds promise in managing obesity and appears to influence hunger. We hypothesized that the effects of TRE would be due to a lower caloric intake imposed, as with any other type of dietary intervention. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are attributed to the chrononutrition protocol itself or the caloric restriction resulting from the intervention. Our primary aim was to examine the impact of TRE on hunger compared to isocaloric strategies in adults with overweight or obesity. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, with inclusion criteria comprising adults aged 18 years and older with overweight/obesity. A literature search was conducted from the earliest available article up to January 2025, with no restrictions on time, region, or language. The search encompassed major electronic databases, including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey. Of the 14 studies included, four met the eligibility criteria for the primary meta-analysis, which evaluated hunger in 323 participants. The findings revealed that TRE resulted in an increase in hunger (MD 2.05, 95% CI 1.46, 2.64; I² = 0%) compared to the isocaloric control group. In conclusion, the TRE protocol was associated with elevated hunger compared to isocaloric strategies, which may warrant further investigation into its long-term feasibility in weight loss programs.