The effect of time of eating on cardiometabolic risk in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Continuous energy restriction is currently considered the first-line dietary therapy for weight loss in individuals with obesity. Recently, interventions which alter the eating window and time of eating occasions have been explored as means to achieve weight loss and other cardiometabolic improvements such as a reduction in blood pressure, glycaemia, lipids and inflammation. It is unknown, however, whether these changes result from unintentional energy restriction or from other mechanisms such as the alignment of nutrient intake with the internal circadian clock. Even less is known regarding the safety and efficacy of these interventions in individuals with established chronic noncommunicable disease states, such as cardiovascular disease. This review examines the effects of interventions which alter both eating window and time of eating occasions on weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors in both healthy participants and those with established cardiovascular disease. We then summarise the state of existing knowledge and explore future directions of study.

Keywords: alternate day fasting; caloric restriction; cardiovascular disease; intermittent fasting; time of eating; time restricted eating.