Time-restricted eating shows a modest reduction in fat mass in resistance-trained individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Time-restricted eating (TRE), a form of intermittent fasting, has gained popularity as a nutritional strategy for weight management, but evidence in resistance-trained individuals is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of TRE on body composition in this population. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through five databases up to October 2025. Eligible studies included adults performing resistance training, compared TRE with a habitual diet, and reported body composition outcomes: body mass (BM), BM index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, and body fat percentage (BF). Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, and certainty of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Eight RCTs were included, all implementing TRE protocols with eating windows of 8 to 10 hours. Pooled analyses revealed no significant effects on BM (mean difference [MD]: -1.82 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.66 to 0.01; I² = 52.4%) or fat-free mass (MD: 0.27 kg; 95% CI: -0.80 to 1.34; I² = 47.1%). Significant reductions were observed for BMI (MD: -0.75 kg/m²; 95% CI: -1.42 to -0.08; I² = 69.8%), BF% (MD: -1.57%; 95% CI: -3.12 to -0.01; I² = 0%), and FM (MD: -1.25 kg; 95% CI: -1.95 to -0.54; I² = 0%). TRE may induce small reductions in BMI, BF, and FM. Given the limited number, small sample sizes, and short duration of available RCTs, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Larger, well-designed RCTs with standardized protocols are needed to confirm the clinical relevance of TRE in this population.