A new study from the University of Mississippi found that pairing time-restricted eating with exercise leads to greater fat loss in healthy adults compared to those who exercised alone. Researchers, including Nadeeja Wijayatunga and Michael Hays, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining data from 15 studies over the past decade.
The study revealed that individuals following an eight-hour eating window while maintaining a regular exercise routine lost more body fat without losing lean muscle mass. This is significant because lean muscle preservation is crucial for overall health and metabolism.
Wijayatunga emphasized the importance of preserving lean mass, saying “We need healthy muscles… If we lose muscle, it may impact our metabolic systems, and it just decreases mobility overall.” The study also found that time-restricted eating with exercise did not lead to a reduction in lean mass, even for those who lost body fat.
While the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm the findings. Wijayatunga noted that understanding how this would impact individuals who are less active and exercising regularly is essential. She advises implementing healthy habits with guidance from a healthcare professional.
The study’s findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of time-restricted eating as a tool for achieving body composition goals, particularly when combined with exercise. However, Hays emphasized that more studies need to be conducted to fully understand its effects in humans.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/want-to-burn-fat-without-losing-muscle-try-this-simple-diet-tweak