Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Effects of Timed Restricted Eating on Body Composition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Health

60 participantsStarted 2026-07

Plain-language summary

This study is looking at whether eating all meals within a 6-hour window each day (called Time-Restricted Eating, or TRE) can improve body composition, metabolism, heart health, and blood markers over 12 weeks. The study also wants to find out whether allowing participants to eat normally on weekends makes the diet easier to follow long-term. Adults aged 18-65 with a BMI of 26 or higher who do not have heart disease or diabetes may be eligible. Participants will be randomly placed into one of two groups: (1) TRE every day for 12 weeks, or (2) TRE on weekdays with normal eating on weekends. All participants will visit the lab twice - once at the start and once at the end - for measurements of body fat, resting calorie burn, heart function, and blood tests. Between visits, participants will log their meals and steps at home and check in with the research team every two weeks.

Who can participate

Age range18 Years – 65 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Between 18 and 65 years of age Body mass index (BMI) of 26 kg/m² or higher (overweight or obese range) Physically inactive, defined as 150 minutes or less of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for the 3 months prior to enrollment No previous history of cardiovascular disease or Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Not currently taking medications that may affect blood sugar, cholesterol, or body weight (e.g., glucose-lowering drugs, statins, or weight loss medications) Weight stable, defined as no more than 5 kg (about 11 lbs.) of body weight change in the 3 months prior to enrollment Willing and able to follow the study requirements, provide voluntary consent, and complete all study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age BMI below 26 kg/m² More than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity in the past 3 months History of cardiovascular disease or Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Currently taking medications that may impact study outcomes Weight change of more than 5 kg in the past 3 months Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study History of an eating disorder Previous weight loss surgery (e.g., gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) Unable to fast for approximately 18 hours at a time due to a medical condition Currently working night shifts Has a pacemaker or any implanted electronic device (due to bioimpedance spectroscopy testing) Any health condit…

What they're measuring

Body Fat Percentage

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07574177

SponsorUniversity of South Alabama

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-05