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Researchers from The University of Western Australia (UWA) explore the motivations behind the growing popularity of time-restricted eating.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at The University of Western Australia (UWA) have examined the growing trend of time-restricted eating, a form of intermittent fasting that has gained traction among individuals seeking to manage their weight and improve their health. Despite limited formal guidance from healthcare providers, this approach is becoming increasingly popular.
Led by Dr. Hilmi Rathomi from UWA’s School of Population and Global Health, the study, published in the journal Appetite, explores why people are turning to time-restricted eating, despite the lack of widespread medical endorsement.
The study focused on the experiences of 21 adults in Western Australia who practiced time-restricted eating, a dietary method that limits food consumption to specific hours during the day, such as from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while fasting for the remaining hours. This approach has become a low-cost and manageable alternative for individuals seeking weight management solutions.
“Despite limited formal guidance from healthcare providers, time-restricted eating has gained traction as an accessible, low-cost option for weight management and improved health,” Dr. Rathomi explained. “We wanted to explore why individuals are drawn to it and what makes it appealing even without widespread medical support.”
The study revealed several key reasons behind the growing popularity of time-restricted eating. Participants cited dissatisfaction with traditional weight-loss methods, perceived broader health benefits, and the ease of integrating the practice into daily life. Many found it less restrictive than traditional dieting methods and highlighted its flexibility and affordability.
“Participants reported that time-restricted eating made sense logically, was easier to sustain compared to restrictive diets, and allowed for flexibility within the eating window. Plus, it didn’t require expensive meal plans,” Dr. Rathomi said.
A significant finding of the study was that most participants had discovered time-restricted eating through online resources, such as social media and books, rather than from healthcare professionals. This points to the increasing influence of digital platforms in shaping people’s dietary decisions.
Professor Sandra Thompson, co-author of the study and Director of the Western Australian Center for Rural Health, emphasized the potential of time-restricted eating as a sustainable, low-cost option for some individuals. “We were surprised to find that some participants had been practicing time-restricted eating for over five years, not primarily for weight loss, but for broader health benefits,” she said. “Understanding what makes this approach appealing could help clinicians better support patients seeking simple, affordable weight management solutions.”
While the study sheds light on the motivations behind the trend, it also highlights the need for more research into the long-term effects of time-restricted eating. The researchers suggest that further studies are necessary to assess its broader applicability for public health recommendations.
This study provides valuable insights into why people are drawn to time-restricted eating, a practice that continues to rise in popularity as an accessible, flexible, and affordable alternative to traditional weight-loss methods.
For more information, see: Hilmi S. Rathomi et al, “It just made sense to me!” A Qualitative Exploration of Individual Motivation for Time-Restricted Eating, Appetite (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107751
