Research reviews
Earlier windows look promising; shorter is not always better
Effects of timing and eating duration of time restricted eating on metabolic outcomes: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Published
Evidence search through
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Fasting Free source summary: https://fastingfree.com/education/chen-2026-timing-review/
PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY
What it found
Earlier windows generally performed better than later windows for some metabolic outcomes. Results did not consistently favor the shortest eating windows.
Keep these limits in view
The search ended in January 2023 despite publication in 2026. Short trials, varying calorie restrictions, and indirect comparisons limit claims about an optimal schedule.
Understand the context
- Evidence type
- Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials
- Population or scope
- Adults in trials of eating-window timing or duration
- Sample or coverage
- 41 randomized trials; 2,287 participants
- Study duration or data period
- 4–48 weeks; median 8 weeks
- Comparison
- Different eating-window schedules and usual diets, using direct and indirect comparisons.
Research terms in this source
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