#South Korea #Seoul #MASLD #Hanyang University #TRE

Hanyang University Study on Time-Restricted Eating

Researchers at Hanyang University have conducted an insightful study exploring the benefits of Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) in patients suffering from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This innovative dietary strategy focuses on eating all daily calories within a set time frame, resembling intermittent fasting. Aimed at improving key health markers such as weight loss, insulin sensitivity, and body composition, the study's findings present promising insights into managing MASLD effectively.

Understanding MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is characterized by the buildup of excess fat in the liver, linked to various metabolic risk factors. Traditional methods to manage this condition primarily focus on addressing underlying metabolic issues through diets and physical activity. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity globally and the complexities of managing weight-related health disorders, finding sustainable dietary approaches is essential.

The Study Overview

Under the supervision of Professor Dae Won Jun, a research team from Hanyang University aimed to determine whether TRE could serve as an effective dietary intervention for people with MASLD. The study, published on June 19, 2025, in the Journal of Hepatology, involved randomizing participants with obesity and MASLD into three distinct groups: a standard care (SOC) group, a calorie restriction (CR) group, and a TRE group. By comparing the outcomes, the researchers sought to uncover the relative effectiveness and safety of TRE compared to traditional calorie restriction.

Key Findings

The results revealed that both TRE and CR groups experienced significant reductions in hepatic steatosis, a decrease in body weight, and a reduction of visceral fat. Importantly, there were no reports of serious adverse events in either group, suggesting that both dietary strategies are safe for patients. TRE participants, in particular, achieved positive health outcomes simply by adjusting their eating schedule without needing to adopt strict diets like the Mediterranean diet, which may involve more complex food choices.

Dr. Joo Hyun Oh, one of the researchers involved in this study, commented on the practicality of TRE, stating, "Our findings indicate that TRE is a more manageable dietary approach, especially appealing in Asian populations where eating patterns may differ."

While changes in critical health parameters, such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels, were observed, the differences between the TRE and CR groups were not significant enough to suggest that TRE provides additional benefits beyond traditional calorie restriction methods. This suggests that while TRE is effective in managing liver fat and function, it might not necessarily confer other metabolic or sleep-related advantages.

Implications for Future Research

As public interest in weight management escalates, the need for clear, evidence-based nutritional guidance becomes increasingly critical. Numerous dietary trends can lead to confusion and misinformation among individuals striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This research illuminates the facts surrounding both TRE and CR, offering individuals the flexibility to choose an eating pattern that best fits their lifestyle. Such knowledge is invaluable when developing tailored dietary strategies in the future, uniquely adapted to an individual's lifestyle, cultural background, and biological needs.

In conclusion, by validating the efficacy of TRE and its similarity in effectiveness to traditional calorie restriction, the study from Hanyang University opens up avenues for future research and dietary recommendations that encourage sustainable weight management and the prevention of metabolic diseases. As healthcare continues to evolve, methodologies grounded in scientific evidence will play a pivotal role in guiding individuals toward healthier choices.

Reference

• - Title of original paper: Efficacy and safety of time-restricted eating in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
• - Journal: Journal of Hepatology
• - DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2025.06.005

For more details, visit Hanyang University's website or contact their media relations department.