Study of 1,086 older adults questions intermittent fasting benefits

Time-restricted eating has swept through health circles as the latest strategy for better metabolic health, but new research suggests it may not live up to the hype for older adults.

In a comprehensive review led by Chinonso Confidence Benson of the PENKUP Collaboration, scientists analyzed several studies involving 1,086 people aged 60 and older. Their conclusion challenges popular belief: restricting eating to specific daily hours showed no meaningful impact on body weight, glucose levels, blood pressure, or cholesterol.

The Time-Restricted Eating Trend

The concept is straightforward. Instead of changing what you eat, you change when you eat. Followers consume all their meals within an 8 to 12 hour window each day and fast the rest of the time. Some people might eat only between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., for example, or noon to 8 p.m.

This eating pattern fits within chrononutrition, which explores how food timing interacts with biological rhythms. Enthusiasts claim the approach can improve metabolism, lower inflammation, and extend lifespan. But research has mainly focused on younger populations, leaving a gap in knowledge about effects on seniors.

Mixed Outcomes in Older Populations

Researchers measured multiple health markers across the studies. They looked at body mass index, fasting blood sugar, both types of blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. While some metrics showed slight improvement, none reached the threshold scientists consider statistically significant.

The authors noted that aging brings unique biological, behavioral, and social factors that may limit how well time-restricted eating works in older people compared to younger ones.

Safety emerged as a clear positive. No participants experienced adverse effects from the eating schedule, an encouraging sign for a population that often juggles multiple health issues and medications.

Collaboration Across Borders

The PENKUP Collaboration operates under the PENKUP Research Institute, established by Dr. Kennedy O. Obohwemu, an acclaimed public health researcher and leading voice in global research collaboration who gained widespread recognition for his novel psychological theories (the Self-Comforting and Coping Framework, SCCF). The institute brings together researchers from around the world who dedicate their personal time to collaborate on studies spanning multiple disciplines.

Speaking about the institute’s development, Dr. Obohwemu said, “I am filled with immense joy seeing how far the PENKUP Research Institute has come. What started as a vision to create a platform for global scholarly collaboration has grown into a thriving community of dedicated researchers. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our collaborators who sacrifice their personal time to advance knowledge and contribute to meaningful research that addresses real-world challenges.”

Guidance for Older Adults

The findings don’t suggest avoiding time-restricted eating. Seniors who prefer structured eating times can adopt the approach without worry. However, expectations need adjustment. Those seeking substantial health improvements may need to look beyond meal timing alone.

More research with diverse participants and extended timeframes could clarify whether specific subgroups of older adults respond better to time-restricted eating, or whether benefits require longer adherence than current studies have tested.

Broader Context

The analysis covered studies from 2015 to 2025, combining data from randomized controlled trials and before-and-after studies. Researchers applied standard statistical methods to pool results. The consistency across different study types adds credibility to their findings.

As the global population ages, understanding effective health interventions for seniors grows increasingly important. This study indicates that meal timing by itself may fall short. A broader strategy incorporating nutritious foods, physical activity, and proper sleep probably offers better outcomes than restricting eating windows alone.

Medical consultation remains important for anyone thinking about time-restricted eating. Doctors can assess how the approach might interact with individual health conditions, prescriptions, and nutritional requirements.

Access the complete study here:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398701428_Chrononutrition_and_Healthy_Ageing_A_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis_of_Time-Restricted_Eating_in_Older_Adults

https://theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajas/article/view/7073