Intermittent Energy Restriction Benefits Obesity Management in Diabetes

In a groundbreaking study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting ENDO 2025, researchers revealed that intermittent energy restriction (IER) significantly benefits individuals suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes. Conducted by Dr. Haohao Zhang, Chief Physician at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the study compared three dietary interventions: intermittent energy restriction, time-restricted eating (TRE), and continuous energy restriction (CER) over a 16-week period. The trial, which took place from November 19, 2021, to November 7, 2024, involved 90 patients, providing comprehensive insights into the management of these chronic conditions.

The study's findings indicate that while all three dietary approaches improved blood sugar levels and body weight, IER outperformed the others in several key metrics. According to Dr. Zhang, "This study is the first to compare the effects of three different dietary interventions in managing type 2 diabetes with obesity," emphasizing the importance of these findings for clinical practice. The research noted that IER led to greater reductions in fasting blood glucose and triglycerides, along with improved insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for effective diabetes management.

The trial's structure involved 90 participants who were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary intervention groups, ensuring a balanced comparison. Out of the initial cohort, 63 individuals completed the study, comprising 18 females and 45 males, with an average age of 36.8 years and a mean diabetes duration of 1.5 years. The study noted a baseline Body Mass Index (BMI) of 31.7 kg/m² and an HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar control) of 7.42%.

At the conclusion of the study, while reductions in HbA1c and weight loss were similar across all groups, the IER group demonstrated the most significant absolute decrease. Notably, the adherence rate was highest in the IER group, at 85%, compared to 84% in the CER group and 78% in the TRE group. Dr. Zhang highlighted that these results underscore the feasibility and effectiveness of dietary interventions tailored for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The implications of this study are considerable, as they suggest that IER could offer a viable dietary strategy for clinicians treating obesity-related diabetes. Dr. John Smith, an endocrinologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, commented, "The findings provide scientific evidence for clinicians to choose appropriate dietary strategies when treating such patients." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Emily Chen, a nutrition specialist from Stanford University, who noted that the structured approach of IER could be particularly beneficial in clinical settings where adherence to dietary guidelines is critical.

Furthermore, the research aligns with the increasing recognition of dietary interventions as essential components of diabetes management, a shift that has been gaining momentum in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, as a primary strategy in combating the global rise in diabetes and obesity.

Looking forward, the research opens avenues for further exploration into dietary interventions. Dr. Zhang expressed hope that future studies will build upon these findings, potentially leading to more personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. As the healthcare community continues to grapple with these chronic conditions, the importance of evidence-based dietary strategies cannot be overstated, potentially guiding the future of diabetes management and obesity treatment.