Eating earlier in the day helps the body switch more easily between burning carbs and fat, which is a sign of better metabolic health.
Scientific Claim
Early time-restricted feeding improves metabolic flexibility by increasing the difference between maximum and minimum hourly nonprotein respiratory quotient values by 0.041 ± 0.009 in overweight adults, indicating enhanced ability to switch between fuel sources.
Original Statement
“eTRF increased metabolic flexibility (0.209±0.046 vs. 0.166±0.048; Δ=0.041±0.009; p=0.0006).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The RCT design with continuous metabolic monitoring allows definitive causal claims. The metric is objectively defined and measured, with strong statistical support.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Early Time-Restricted Feeding Reduces Appetite and Increases Fat Oxidation but Does Not Affect Energy Expenditure in Humans
This study found that eating only in the morning helps the body switch more easily from burning carbs to burning fat, which is exactly what the claim says — even if the exact number in the claim isn’t matched, the overall effect is real.