Abstract

Background and Aims: The present study investigates the effect of 4-h time restricted feeding on body weight, leptin concentration and lipid profile in healthy non-obese male Wistar rats.
Methods and Results: Rats placed on time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimen had freely access to food for 4 hour per day at designated periods. Twenty four rats divided into four groups (n=6) were used. Group I animals were placed on a 4 hours per day TRF between 8 am-12 pm. Group II rats were also placed on a 4 hours per day TRF between 12 pm - 4 pm. Group III rats also placed on a 4 hours per day TRF between 8 pm -12 am while Group IV rats had access food and water ad libitum. This diet strategy resembles taking only breakfast, lunch or dinner once a day. The study
lasted for a period of 4 weeks with daily food intake and weekly body weight determined throughout the period. At the end of the experimental period, blood glucose, lipid profile and leptin concentration were assessed. In this study, the body weights and leptin concentrations of 8 pm-12 am and ad libitum groups significantly increased compared with the 8 am-12 pm and 12 pm- 4 pm groups. Dyslipidemia was observed in the ad libitum group when compared with the 8 am- 12 pm and 12 pm- 4 pm groups.
Conclusion: 4-hr time restricted feeding for a period of 4 weeks has beneficial effects on body weight, blood glucose, lipid profile and leptin concentration in non-obese male Wistar rats. 

Keywords: Time restricted feeding, Leptin, Body weight, Lipid profile