The effects of time-restricted eating and weight loss on bone metabolism and health: a 6-month randomized controlled trial

Objective This study explored the impact of time-restricted eating (TRE) versus standard dietary advice (SDA) on bone health. Methods Adults with >= 1 component of metabolic syndrome were randomized to TRE (ad libitum eating within 12 hours) or SDA (food pyramid brochure). Bone turnover markers and bone mineral content/density by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed in the total population and by weight loss response. Results In the total population (n = 42, 76% women, median age 47 years [IQR: 31-52]), there were no between-group differences (TRE vs. SDA) in any bone parameter. Among weight loss responders (>= 0.6 kg weight loss), the bone resorption marker beta-carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen tended to decrease after TRE but increase after SDA (between-group differences p = 0.041), whereas changes in the bone formation marker procollagen type I N-propeptide did not differ between groups. Total body bone mineral content decreased after SDA (p = 0.028) but remained unchanged after TRE (p = 0.31) in weight loss responders (between-group differences p = 0.028). Among nonresponders (<0.6 kg weight loss), there were no between-group differences in bone outcomes. Conclusions TRE had no detrimental impact on bone health, whereas, when weight loss occurred, it was associated with some bone-sparing effects compared with SDA.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of time-restricted eating (TRE) versus standard dietary advice (SDA) on bone health. The results showed that TRE had no detrimental effects on bone health in the overall population, but in weight loss responders, it was associated with some bone-sparing effects compared with SDA.