It just made sense to me!” A Qualitative Exploration of Individual Motivation for Time-Restricted Eating

Bibliographic Data

ID11358113
AuthorsHilmi S Rathomi (0000-0002-4474-0284, The University of Western Australia, corresponding author), Nahal Mavaddat (0000-0001-6597-2597, The University of Western Australia), Judy Katzenellenbogen (0000-0001-5287-5819, The University of Western Australia), Judith M Katzenellenbogen, Suzanne C Thompson (0000-0003-0327-7155, The University of Western Australia), Sandra C Thompson
Year2025
Volume204
Pages107751
Publication date2025-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAppetite (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0195-6663 • E-ISSN: 1095-8304
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.appet.2024.107751
PMID39489342
OpenAlexW4403968789
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited32

Time-Restricted Eating (TRE), a form of intermittent fasting, has gained popularity for weight control and metabolic health. It is not incorporated into dietary and clinical guidelines, and hence is generally not being recommended to the public. This qualitative study explores how individuals have discovered TRE as a form of dietary practice and their motivations for practising it. Using purposive and snowball sampling, we recruited 21 participants who had engaged in TRE for at least 3 months (range 3 months to over 5 years). In-depth interviews were conducted with an interview guide developed based on the Health Belief Model. We utilised an inductive coding process and thematic analysis to identify the factors motivating TRE adoption. Seven main themes emerged: (1) dissatisfaction and resistance to prior or traditional approaches, (2) perceived broader health benefits, (3) principles of TRE deemed logical, (4) low to no cost of adoption, (5) manageable psychosocial barriers, (6) being non-restrictive and easy to use, and (7) compatibility with personal lifestyle. This study provided insights into early phase of TRE adoption among individuals in real world settings. Future research should explore health practitioners' perspectives on TRE to better understand the acceptability and potential use of TRE as a weight management approach

Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Culinary Culture and Tourism · Dietary Effects on Health · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access