A recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention|Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions in Chicago has raised concerns about the potential risks of time-restricted eating, a popular weight-loss strategy also known as intermittent fasting.

The study, published by the American Heart Association, revealed that adults following an eight-hour time-restricted eating schedule may be at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death. According to the research, individuals who restricted their eating to an eight-hour window had a 91% higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who spread out their meals over 12 to 16 hours.

Time-restricted eating involves consuming all food within a specific period, such as the 16/8 method where individuals fast for 16 hours and eat during an eight-hour span. Previous studies have suggested that this eating pattern can improve heart health markers, but its long-term effects on cardiovascular health were previously unknown.

Researchers followed a group of 20,000 adults for an average of eight years and found that those who consumed all their daily calories in less than eight hours had the highest risk of cardiovascular death. However, the study has limitations, as it relied on participants’ recollections of their eating habits and did not provide clear information on the timing of fasting.

Registered dietitians advise caution when interpreting these findings, as the study has not yet been fully published or peer-reviewed. Despite this, the study highlights the importance of personalized nutrition advice and monitoring cardiovascular health when following time-restricted eating patterns. It serves as a valuable addition to the existing data on this weight-loss strategy and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.