Discussion
NAFLD, obesity, prediabetes, liver stiffness, weight loss
OBESITY, OBESE, INSULIN SENSITIVITY, PREDIABETES
This randomized clinical trial contributes novel findings on the effects of TRE vs DCR on NAFLD. First, this study indicated that the 8-hour TRE diet (eating period from 8:00 Time-restricted eating has been promoted as a potential alternative weight loss strategy to DCR.To our knowledge, this study is the first randomized clinical trial to compare the long-term effect of TRE vs DCR on NAFLD. This trial showed that the 2 diet regimens had similar effects on reducing IHTG content and improving liver stiffness and that it was feasible for participants to adhere to their assigned calorie intake restrictions. Both diets with an energy intake of 1200 to 1800 kcal/d resulted in nearly 40% resolution of NAFLD. Furthermore, the results suggest that caloric intake restriction explained most of the beneficial effects of a TRE regimen. These findings support a strategy of TRE combined with caloric intake restriction (prescribed according to current dietary guidelines) as a viable and sustainable approach for NAFLD management.Several small clinical trials assessed the effects of short-term TRE on weight and waist circumference in obese populations and reported inconsistent findings.In this trial, TRE and DCR significantly reduced body fat and visceral fat with no significant between-group differences. Several small, short-term studies reported that the TRE regimen significantly reduced body fat mass.In addition, our study indicated that there were no significant differences between TRE and DCR on cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, fasting glucose levels, and lipid levels. Other studies found that short-term TRE improved glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and blood pressure in individuals with prediabetes or adults with obesity.