The Effect of Short Term Time-Restricted Eating on Anthropometric Indices and Inflammation at Rest and Following Acute Exercise

Background: The effect of some methods of time-restricted eating (TRE) on obesity has been investigated before, however its short term effect on obesity indices and physiological responses to exercise is not clear yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TRE on anthropometric indices, as well as, resting and post-exercise responses of cortisol and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Methods: Sixteen healthy men aged 17-29 years with body mass index (BMI) of 17.2-33.5 kg/m2 were voluntarily enrolled in this study. TRE was followed for two weeks; during this period of time, no food was consumed from 8 am to 4 pm, although water intake was allowed. Body weight, height, and waist were measured before and after TRE. Blood samples were provided before and after TRE following 10-11 hours of fasting, and after eating breakfast together with YoYo exercise test on the same day. Results: BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) decreased following two weeks of TRE. Also, a significant reduction in resting cortisol and an increase in resting ESR were noticed. After TRE, acute exercise and intake of breakfast, an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and reduction in cortisol were observed. Conclusion: Although two weeks TRE improved anthropometric indicators and resting cortisol as an anti-inflammatory response, ESR increased at rest and in response to acute exercise and intake of breakfast.