Intermittent Energy Restriction Shows Promise for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Management

Recent research presented at ENDO 2025, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, highlights the potential benefits of different dietary strategies for individuals battling obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study compares three dietary interventions: intermittent energy restriction (IER), time-restricted eating (TRE), and continuous energy restriction (CER). The findings suggest that all three methods can improve blood sugar control and promote weight loss, but IER may offer unique advantages.

Intermittent energy restriction involves alternating periods of normal eating with times of reduced caloric intake, such as the popular 5:2 method. In contrast, time-restricted eating limits food consumption to specific hours each day, typically around 10 hours, while continuous energy restriction involves a steady daily calorie reduction. Researchers aimed to understand which approach best benefits metabolic health in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The study was a randomized, controlled trial conducted at Zhengzhou University involving 90 participants, with 63 completing the 16-week program. Participants were evenly assigned to the three groups, ensuring consistent calorie intake weekly across all interventions. Results showed that while all groups experienced similar improvements in HbA1c—a long-term marker of blood sugar—they differed in other metabolic parameters.

The IER group demonstrated the most significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and showed better insulin sensitivity, measured by the Matsuda index. Additionally, weight loss was greatest among those practicing IER. Adherence rates were highest in the IER group (85%), compared to 84% in CER and 78% in TRE, indicating good feasibility of this approach.

Although adverse events like mild hypoglycemia occurred across groups, they were manageable, and no serious side effects were reported. The study emphasizes that dietary restrictions like IER can be effective and practical options for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes, providing healthcare professionals with evidence-based strategies tailored to patient needs.

This research marks a significant step in clarifying the role of various calorie restriction methods and their comparative efficacy, ultimately helping clinicians optimize treatment plans for their patients. The full findings are set to be published and discussed further at ENDO 2025.