The combination of time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional training could be more effective in improving body composition and cardiometabolic parameters than either one alone, as per a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on May 1, 2024. Conducted by researchers from the University of Sfax, Tunisia, the study suggests that making changes to diet and exercise is a commonly known method for weight loss.Time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional training are being studied as ways to improve heart and metabolic health. It can be tough to figure out the best combination of lifestyle changes for long-term results. Previous research suggests that time-restricted eating (limiting when, but not what, you eat) and high-intensity functional training (combining intense aerobic and resistance exercise) might be helpful and easier for people to stick with.
A new study looked at how time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional training can affect body composition and markers of heart and metabolic health such as cholesterol, blood glucose, and lipid levels. The study involved 64 women.Men who were obese were divided into three groups: those who only followed a time-restricted eating plan, those who only did high-intensity functional training, and those who combined time-restricted eating with high-intensity functional training. The participants in the time-restricted eating group could only eat between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, while those in the functional training groups worked out with an instructor three days a week.
After 12 weeks, all three groups experienced significant weight loss and reductions in waist and hip size. Additionally, all groups showed positive changes in their lipid and glucose levels.
There were some differences observed among the groups.ps. The diet + exercise and exercise groups saw improvements in fat-free mass and blood pressure, while the diet-only group did not experience any changes. The diet + exercise group also had more substantial changes in body composition and cardiometabolic parameters compared to the diet or exercise alone.
The researchers acknowledged that the study was small, making it challenging to determine the specific impact of different exercise routines or time-restricted eating and calorie reduction, as both groups reduced their calorie intake. Nonetheless, they mentioned that it was difficult to distinguish the individual effects of these factors.The combination of time-restricted eating with high-intensity functional training could be effective in improving body composition and cardiometabolic health. The authors suggest that this approach shows promise in enhancing body composition and cardiometabolic health. The study references: Ranya Ameur, Rami Maaloul, Sémah Tagougui, Fadoua Neffati, Faten Hadj Kacem, Mohamed Fadhel Najjar, Achraf Ammar, Omar Hammouda. Unlocking the power of synergy: High-intensity functional training and early time-restricted eating.A recent study published in PLOS ONE looked at the impact of high-intensity interval training on body composition and cardiometabolic health in inactive women with obesity. The study found that this type of training could lead to significant changes in body composition and improve cardiometabolic health in this population. The findings of this study are important for developing effective interventions for inactive women with obesity.
