Comparing time-restricted eating and daily calorie counting for weight loss and health.
Time restricted feeding versus daily calorie restriction: Effect on body weight, metabolic risk, and the gut microbiome
This study is looking at how eating all your meals in a 6-8 hour window each day, instead of just cutting calories, affects weight, health, and gut bacteria over a year, and it's designed for anyone interested in trying a new way to eat without counting calories.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of time-restricted feeding (TRF), where individuals eat within a 6-8 hour window and fast for the rest of the day, compared to traditional daily calorie restriction. The study aims to determine how these two dietary approaches impact body weight, metabolic health, and the gut microbiome over a 12-month period. Participants will not need to count calories during the eating window, which may enhance adherence to the diet. The research will involve monitoring weight loss, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and other health markers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with obesity or prediabetes who are looking for effective weight loss strategies.
Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more sustainable and effective dietary approach for weight management and improved metabolic health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for time-restricted feeding, but this research aims to provide more comprehensive data over a longer duration.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varady, Krista Amy — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Varady, Krista Amy
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.