Effects of time-restricted eating on body composition and performance in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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, p = 0.11). Compared with non-TRE dietary patterns, TRE resulted in small but significant reductions in body mass (SMDpooled = −0.27, 95%CI: −0.50 to −0.04; p = 0.02) and body fat% (SMDpooled = −0.39, 95%CI: −0.68 to −0.11, p = 0.01), while fat mass (SMDpooled = −0.23, 95%CI: −0.48 to 0.02, p = 0.07) and lean mass (SMDpooled = −0.16, 95%CI: −0.42 to 0.09, p = 0.21) were unchanged. TRE had no significant effects on aerobic capacity (SMDpooled = 0.04, 95%CI: −0.29 to 0.37, p = 0.82), muscular endurance (SMDpooled = −0.20, 95%CI: −0.52 to 0.13, p = 0.23), muscular strength (SMDpooled = 0.01, 95%CI: −0.25 to 0.27, p = 0.94), or power (SMDpooled = −0.12, 95%CI: −0.44 to 0.20, p = 0.47). Subgroup analyses suggested potentially greater reductions in body mass and body fat% among elite athletes, although between-subgroup differences were not statistically significant. Certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. 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.