ReviewDigital health
Is time-restricted eating a healthy choice to lose weight? Investigating by qualitative analysis of Instagram posts and systematic reviews with meta-analysis.
Review in Digital health. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: Time-restricted eating (TRE) has garnered widespread attention as a promising strategy for weight management and metabolic health improvement. Objective: This study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the portrayal and effectiveness of TRE, bridging social media narratives and scientific evidence. Methods: The first study analyzed Instagram posts qualitatively to identify prevalent TRE methods and motivations, while the second study conducted a meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate TRE's efficacy in weight management. Results: Social media analysis revealed that the keto and 16:8 TRE method dominate online discussions, with fat loss and general health as primary motivators. High-frequency accounts shape public perception through grassroots narratives and consistent engagement. The meta-analysis found the 16:8 method to be significantly effective, particularly for individuals aged 40-50 and during short-term interventions (≤8 weeks). However, challenges such as reduced adherence in older adults, lower effectiveness in longer interventions, and inconsistent results from non-16:8 methods highlight the need for tailored strategies. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of TRE, bridging social media narratives and scientific evidence. It identifies the mechanisms and contexts where the 16:8 TRE method is most effective and offers practical insights for individuals and professionals seeking evidence-based dietary strategies.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.