Synergistic effects of time-restricted feeding and resistance training on body composition and metabolic health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the synergistic impact of time-restricted feeding (TRF) combined with resistance training (RT) (TRF + RT) on body composition and metabolic health in adults, contrasting it with habitual eating patterns (CON) and RT (CON + RT). 

Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, five databases were searched up to 28 April 2024. Randomized controlled trials or crossover trials assessing the effects of TRF + RT for at least 4 weeks in adults were selected. Data were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The risk of bias was evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. 

Results: Seven studies with 164 participants were included in the final analysis. TRF + RT significantly reduced body mass (WMD −2.90, 95% CI: −5.30 to −0.51), fat mass (WMD −1.52, 95% CI: −2.30 to −0.75), insulin (SMD −0.72, 95% CI: −1.24 to −0.21), total cholesterol (WMD −9.44, 95% CI: −13.62 to −5.27), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD −9.94, 95% CI: −13.47 to −6.41), and energy intake (WMD −174.88, 95% CI: −283.79 to −65.97) compared to CON + RT. No significant changes were observed in muscle mass, strength, or other metabolic markers. 

Conclusions: TRF + RT, in contrast to CON + RT, significantly improved body composition, insulin, and cholesterol levels without affecting muscle mass or strength. Copyright © 2024 by the authors.