Abstract
Introduction: Obesity, particularly visceral adiposity, is a considerable risk factor for metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation. A growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is influenced by food and plays a role in energy homeostasis and systemic metabolism, with dysbiosis typically observed in individuals with excess weight. Nutritional strategies of intermittent fasting (IF) and the Mediterranean diet (MD) have each been independently shown to help reduce adiposity and alter gut microbiota composition. However, there remains a dearth of research on the effects of IF and the MD when combined. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a combination of IF and MD intervention for visceral fat loss, and for the dietary intervention to modify gut microbiota. Methods: A total of 60 participants were recruited into a 12-week human intervention study, along with longitudinal assessment of dietary intake and compliance. Visceral adiposity was measured using imaging-based techniques, and gut microbiota profiles were analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: As a result of the intervention, there were considerable reductions in visceral fat, increased microbial diversity, and enrichment of some beneficial bacterial taxa that are linked to better metabolic health. Conclusion: The data demonstrate that the time-restricted feeding in combination with the Mediterranean diet is an experimental dietary approach resulting in a decrease of visceral fat mass and restoration of the microbiota toward a healthy one. It also provides a required evidence-based structure for therapeutic nutrition in the treatment of metabolic complications induced by obesity.