SynthesisFrontiers in nutrition2026
Effects of time-restricted eating on body composition and performance in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in nutrition, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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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.
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Time-restricted eating (TRE) has gained increasing attention as a dietary strategy for body mass management and metabolic health. However, its efficacy in athletic populations remains unclear. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of TRE on energy intake, body composition, and performance in athletes. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261291351). Six databases were searched from inception to January 10, 2026. Randomized controlled trials comparing TRE with non-TRE dietary patterns in adult athletes were included if they reported body composition or performance outcomes. Pooled effects were estimated as standardized mean differences (SMDs; Hedges' g) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and evidence certainty using GRADE. Results: Sixteen studies from 15 articles involving 245 athletes were included. TRE did not significantly alter energy intake (SMDpooled = -0.35, 95%CI: -0.77 to 0.07, Conclusion: TRE may represent a feasible dietary strategy for athletes seeking modest reductions in body mass and body fat% without clear detrimental effects on performance. However, evidence remains limited by small samples, short interventions, and methodological concerns, warranting larger, well-controlled, and longer-term trials across diverse athletic populations. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO unique identifier CRD420261291351.
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