A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition evaluated the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) and caloric restriction (CR) on sex hormones. Study: Effect of time restricted eating versus daily calorie restriction on sex hormones in males and females with obesity . Image Credit: goffkein.
pro/Shutterstock.com TRE is a weight loss intervention, with a reduced eating window (4–10 hours) and fasting for the remaining time with energy-free beverages. Despite the health benefits of TRE, there have been concerns about its impact on sex hormones.
That is, some research claims that TRE may negatively affect estrogen levels, which might lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle and fertility issues. Similarly, some research on males claims TRE might reduce testosterone, muscle mass, and libido. However, the impact of TRE on sex hormones is largely unknown due to a scarcity of literature.
Moreover, trials have been small, lacked controls, and were shorter in duration, with no study assessing the effects beyond two months. In the present study, researchers evaluated the effects of TRE on reproductive hormones in males and pre- and post-menopausal females compared to CR, and no intervention was performed over 12 months. This was a secondary analysis of a published trial comparing CR and TRE effects on metabolic risk factors and body weight.
Individuals aged 18–65, with a body mass index between 30 kg/m 2 and 50 kg/m 2 were included. Individuals were e.
