This eating habit may help reduce belly fat, new study suggests
If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re certainly aware of the fact that there are endless options for potentially beneficial diets. However, a new study finds that a particular eating habit is not only effective, but it can also help you lose weight and lose belly fat.
study that was recently published cell report medicine It involved 162 participants who were asked to stick to a certain eating habit for three months, with 44 participants opting for a time-restricted diet, 47 participants using a low-carbohydrate diet and 44 participants selected a combination. They were also asked to eat between an eight-hour period that lasted either from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
After a three-month period, the findings showed that all three eating habits could result in weight loss. However, participants lost more abdominal visceral fat as a result of only time-restricted eating.

“I think this is good news for people who are struggling with obesity or metabolic syndrome,” Lori WalkerRegistered Dietitian and Fitness Expert for Easy Kitchen Guide Eat This, Not That! “Both a low-carbohydrate diet and a time-restricted eating program appear to be effective treatments. [for weight loss]So it’s worth seeing which of the two works best for you.”
As for why time-restricted eating can be effective for weight loss without counting calories, Walker explains that time-restricted eating “helps you control how much you’re eating.”
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“By only allowing yourself to eat during a certain window of time, you’re less likely to eat less,” she adds.
“As the study found, a time-restricted diet can also help reduce visceral fat,” Walker continued. “As for why it may be more effective than a low-carb diet, I think it’s because a low-carb diet can be difficult to stick to in the long run. It’s restrictive and can be difficult to maintain, whereas a time-restricted The diet is more flexible and easier to follow.”
Walker also noted that the eight-hour time limit is “significant.”
“I think it’s a good starting point for people who want to try a time-restricted diet,” Walker says. “It’s not too restrictive, so it’s easy to follow – but it’s still good enough to see results. If you want to see even more gains, you can try a longer time frame – like 10 hours. But ultimately, it’s up to you and whether you’re comfortable.”
Desiree O
Desiree O is a freelance writer who covers lifestyle, food and nutrition news, among other topics. Read more about Desiree