Affiliation:
1. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
2. Exercise and Nutrition Research Program, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research Australian Catholic University Melbourne Victoria Australia
Abstract
SummaryTime‐restricted eating is a novel nutrition intervention with evidence of beneficial effects on weight loss, blood glucose management, and other metabolic health outcomes. Adherence to time‐restricted eating is higher than some traditional nutrition interventions to support individuals living with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there may be an evidence‐practice gap of time‐restricted eating in Australian dietetic practice. The present study aimed to explore dietitians' knowledge, experiences, and perspectives of time‐restricted eating and timing of eating advice in practice. Semi‐structured interviews with 10 private practice dietitians across Australia were conducted. Audio recordings were transcribed and analysed thematically. Six themes were identified: (i) distinction of time‐restricted eating to other fasting protocols; (ii) knowledge of health benefits of time‐restricted eating; (iii) patient‐led advice frequently given: timing of breakfast and dinner; (iv) dietitian‐led advice frequently given: eating cut‐off time to avoid late night snacking; (v) barriers and facilitators to offering time‐restricted eating or timing of eating advice; (vi) timing of eating advice within professional guidelines and resources. These findings suggest the need for development of professional resources and educational development tools for dietitians on time‐restricted eating.