Recent research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago suggests a potential link between time-restricted eating and increased risk of dying from heart disease. Contrary to popular belief, individuals who limited their eating to less than 8 hours a day, a practice commonly known as intermittent fasting, were found to have a greater likelihood of cardiovascular-related mortality compared to those with a broader eating window of 12 to 16 hours.
Time-restricted eating, often embraced for its purported benefits in weight loss and heart health improvement, involves restricting food consumption to specific hours within a 24-hour period, typically ranging from 4 to 12 hours. While previous studies have indicated positive impacts on various cardiometabolic health measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, this new research unveils potential long-term adverse effects associated with the practice.
Senior study author Victor Wenze Zhong, a professor at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, expressed surprise at the findings, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the safety and efficacy of time-restricted eating. Despite its popularity, particularly for short-term benefits, the study underscores the importance of cautious consideration regarding its long-term implications, particularly on cardiovascular health.
However, it’s crucial to note that the study has limitations, primarily relying on self-reported dietary information, which may be subject to recall bias and inaccuracies. Dr. Christopher D. Gardner from Stanford University emphasized the necessity for additional research to delve into the nutritional aspects of diets and demographic disparities to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the observed associations.
While time-restricted eating may offer certain short-term advantages, the study underscores the importance of balanced dietary practices and highlights the need for further investigation to elucidate its potential risks and benefits in the context of long-term heart health.
