Author(s): DAI, Z., WAN, K., ZHANG, S., WONG, S.H., Institution: THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 1268

INTRODUCTION:
This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE), aerobic exercise, and their combination on fat mass and waist circumference in females with obesity. Additionally, the study aimed to determine whether the combination of TRE and aerobic exercise produces superior changes in body composition compared to each intervention alone.
METHODS:
A total of 48 female participants with obesity were randomly assigned to one of four intervention groups: (1) TRE group (≤8-hour daily eating window, with ad libitum energy intake), (2) aerobic exercise group (three moderate-intensity exercise sessions per week), (3) combination group (TRE plus aerobic exercise), or (4) control group. The interventions were conducted over a 12-week period in free-living settings. Fat mass and waist circumference were measured at baseline and after the intervention.
RESULTS:
Of the 48 participants who underwent randomization, 47 completed the 12-week intervention. After the intervention, fat mass and waist circumference decreased in the aerobic exercise, TRE, and combination groups, but there were no significant differences between the groups. However, participants in the combination group showed a statistically significant reduction in fat mass from 25.07 ± 2.31 kg to 23.33 ± 2.31 kg compared to the control group (p=0.047). In terms of waist circumference, both the aerobic exercise group (-6.02 cm; 95% CI -0.01 to -12.03) and the combination group (-6.50 cm; 95% CI -0.64 to -12.40) showed significant decreases compared to the control group (p=0.049 and p=0.021, respectively).
CONCLUSION:
This pilot randomized controlled trial suggests that both TRE and aerobic exercise interventions are effective in reducing fat mass and waist circumference in females with obesity. Moreover, the combination of TRE and aerobic exercise appears to have an additive effect on fat loss. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the impact on fat mass and waist circumference.