Effects of Time-Restricted Feeding in Weight Loss: Role of Browning of White Adipose Tissue

Abstract

Background: The epidemic of obesity is associated with a substantial, complex and escalating burden of disease. Dietary and lifestyle interventions provide the mainstay of management. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a dietary approach where individuals limit their food intake to specific time windows throughout the day, typically with fasting periods of 12-16 hours. TRF is a dietary approach used for weight loss and overall health. TRF has the potential to induce browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and to attenuate obesity. White adipose browning has been linked to body weight loss. Uncoupling Protein 1(UCP1) is a protein found in the mitochondria of brown adipose tissue (BAT). It plays a key role in thermogenesis, a process by which excess energy is burned off as heat. The effect of TRF on UCP1 in humans is not well-established. While animal studies suggest that TRF may increase UCP1 expression and thermogenesis in BAT. Target: This research aims to determine the existence of a significant relationship between the TRF diet and the increase in browning and thermogenesis Method: A systematic search was conducted within PubMed the included studies were critically evaluated. Research tranches scoped: interventional evidence for TRF, evidence linking obesity; over-weight and metabolic function; and evidence linking thermogenesis, UCP1 and browning. Results were summarized in a narrative analysis. Results: TRF was consistently associated with improved overweight, also it increases mitochondrial respiratory capacity, mitochondrial content, increases fatty acid oxidation and UCP1 gene expression in white adipose tissue that cause browning of WAT and improves thermogenesis and oxidative capacities. Conclusion: these findings suggest that implementing TRF can be an effective strategy for promoting thermogenesis and improving metabolic health. TRF by browning of WAT and improving thermogenesis, and oxidative capacities. TRF presents a promising intervention for weight loss and metabolic benefits in obese/overweight individual. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore the long-term effects of time-restricted feeding on thermogenesis.