2.2. Time-Restricted Eating Protocol
weight loss
During the 6-month weight loss phase, TRE subjects were asked to eat only between the hours of 12:00 and 8:00 p.m. and to fast from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m. the following day. Subjects did not have to monitor food or energy intake during the 8 h eating window. During the 16 h fasting window, subjects were allowed to drink water and calorie-free beverages like coffee and tea without additives, and diet sodas (limit 2 per day). During the 6-month weight maintenance period, subjects were asked to maintain their weight by expanding their eating window to 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (10 h eating window) and fast from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. (14 h fasting window). TRE subjects received diet counseling (over Zoom) weekly during the first 3 months and then biweekly from months 4 to 12. During the counseling sessions, subjects learned how to make healthy food choices [