Going for brunch ‘helps you lose weight – just make sure it’s your last meal of the day’
Scientists at the University of Alabama carried out a study into the impact of early time restricted feeding
GOING for brunch is usually associated with moreish breakfast classics, decadent pastries - and maybe even a tipple or two.
But new research suggests grabbing brunch might actually help you lose weight - as long as it's your last meal of the day, that is.
Scientists at the University of Alabama in the United States carried out a study into the impact of early time restricted feeding - an eating schedule which involves eating in a short period of time, usually less than nine hours, then fasting for 15 hours or more.
Previous studies in rodents had shown the eating pattern countered weight gain, increased energy expenditure and lowered fat mass - reducing the risk of chronic disease.
To see if these results if were reflected in humans, researchers carried out the first human tests.
During the trial, 11 overweight adults aged 20-45 were divided into two groups.
The first group ate between 8am and 8pm, and the second between 8am and 2pm.
Both groups ate the same number of calories.
related stories
Researchers found that although there was no connection with energy expenditure (burning more calories), early time restricted feeding may have a positive effect on metabolism and body composition.
It also improved metabolic flexibility - the body's ability to switch between burning carbs and fat - and reduced hunger pangs throughout the day.
Courtney Peterson, PhD, the study's leader, explained: “We found that eating between 8am and 2pm followed by an 18-hour daily fast kept appetite levels more even throughout the day, in comparison to eating between 8 am and 8 pm, which is what the median American does.”
Meanwhile, Dale Schoeller, PhD, spokesman for The Obesity Society, said: “These preliminary findings suggest for the first time in humans what we’ve seen in animal models – that the timing of eating during the day does have an impact on our metabolism.
“With additional research on early-time restricted feeding on humans, we can create a more complete picture of whether this innovative method can best help prevent and treat obesity.”