High-Protein Time-Restricted Eating Alongside Resistance Training Reduces Adipose Tissue While Preserving Fat-Free Mass in Women With Overweight: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Time-restricted eating (TRE), a subtype of intermittent fasting, has gained significant popularity in recent years. This dietary approach, when combined with resistance training (RT), has demonstrated potential benefits for body composition and physiological parameters.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of TRE and high-protein consumption on visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue, leptin, and ghrelin levels in young women with overweight engaged in RT.

Methods: Thirty-two women with overweight (body mass index 25-30 kg/m2), aged 18-30 years, were randomly assigned to four groups: TRE with high protein (THP), TRE with regular protein, high protein only (HP), and regular protein only. All participants underwent RT and adhered to a 25% calorie-restricted diet. The high-protein groups received 1.6 g·kg-1·day-1 of protein. Body composition, blood biomarkers, and muscle functions were assessed.

Results: Significant reductions in VAT (p < .001) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < .001) were observed across all groups, with the THP group exhibiting the greatest decrease in VAT (Δ = -146.98 ± 12.66, d = -1.867). Leptin levels also showed a significant decrease in all groups (p < .001). However, significant differences in leptin reduction were detected only between THP versus regular protein only (p = .045) and TRE with regular protein versus regular protein only (p = .034) groups. Plasma ghrelin levels remained unchanged across all groups. Notably, the high-protein groups (THP and high protein only) demonstrated a significant increase in fat-free mass (Δ THP = 1.06 ± 1.75, Δ HP = 2.37 ± 0.64).

Conclusion: An 8-week program combining TRE, high-protein intake, and RT effectively reduced VAT, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and leptin levels while preserving muscle mass in women with overweight. This intervention did not significantly alter plasma ghrelin levels.