Volumetric diet and time-restricted eating demonstrate similar outcomes for weight reduction

1. In this randomized controlled trial comparing the volumetrics diet (VD) and time-restricted eating (TRE), both interventions led to significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, and fat mass, while preserving lean body mass. 

2. VD had a significantly lower adherence rate compared with TRE. 

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent) 

Obesity has been a global issue in recent decades, with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease as well as other economic consequences. To avoid these issues, which tend to cement in later life, early intervention in maintaining body weight (BW), fat mass (FM), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) has been proposed. In weight loss, the primary driver is caloric deficit; however, this can lead to protein shortages impacting SMM preservation and must be done sustainably. Two diets shown to be effective for reducing BW and FM are time-restricted eating (TRE), which limits the daily eating window, and the volumetric diet (VD), which emphasizes consuming large volumes of nutrient-dense low-calorie foods to promote satiety. This study examined the effects of these diets on normal and high-weight individuals who maintained their higher levels of physical activity throughout the diet adherence on their body composition. This randomized controlled trial was conducted over 12 weeks and examined body weight (BW), relative and absolute fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC). After meeting eligibility, a total of 37 participants were included in the study, with 21 in the VD group and 16 in the TRE group. Both groups had a significant decrease in BW (p=0.0002; d=0.61), relative FM (p<0.0001; d=0.84), absolute FM (p<0.0001; d=0.85), BMI (p=0.0001; d=0.60), WC (p<0.0001; d=0.92), HC (p=0.003; d=0.51), and WHR (p<0.001; d=0.90) with no significant difference between the groups. According to the questionnaires, both groups experienced a nonsignificant decline in adherence; however, between the groups, there was a significantly higher adherence rate for TRE (5.78 ± 1.13 days per week) compared to VD (5.29 ± 1.49 days per week) (p = 0.0002; d = 0.362). These findings suggest that both interventions are effective in counteracting age-related increases in fat mass, with TRE emerging as a potentially more sustainable option due to the higher adherence rates. 

Click to read the study in Nutrition Journal

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