Researchers at the University of Jerusalem decided to follow-up on observations that hormonal secretions relative to weight gain were modified during Ramadan, a Muslim tradition of fasting during the day followed by a carbohydrate-heavy meal at night.
One hundred overweight Israeli police officers, all with a BMI over 30, were divided into two groups both of which consumed a low-calorie diet of 1300-1500 calories daily (20% protein, 30-35% fat, 45-50% carbohydrates) for six months. The only difference between the two groups was the timing of their carbohydrate consumption, with one group taking in carbs regularly during the day while the other group waited until dinner to eat carbs.
The result was surprising with not only more weight and inches lost in the group who consumed their carbs at night, but they also reported to feeling less hungry and were better able to curb their appetite than the group who ate carbs throughout the day.
The researchers suggest the results are due to a change in the hormonal profile of the nighttime carb eaters which could make it easier to sustain a low-calorie diet over the long haul.
“Our results provide a scientific basis for proposing possible dietary alternatives that may be beneficial for people suffering from obesity, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome and experiencing difficulties in maintaining a weight loss diet over the long term,” said the research team.