Comparing time-restricted eating with daily calorie counting for weight and health
Time restricted feeding versus daily calorie restriction: Effect on body weight, metabolic risk, and the gut microbiome
This project compares two eating approaches, time-restricted eating and daily calorie counting, to see which one helps adults with obesity and prediabetes lose weight and improve their health.
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-11159567 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people are interested in time-restricted eating, where you eat only during a specific 6-8 hour window each day without counting calories. This approach is being compared to traditional daily calorie counting to understand its long-term effects on body weight, blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Researchers will also look at how these eating patterns affect the helpful bacteria in your gut, known as the gut microbiome. The goal is to find out if time-restricted eating can be a more sustainable and effective way for people to manage their weight and improve their overall health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with obesity and prediabetes who are interested in weight loss and improving their metabolic health through dietary changes.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to consistently adhere to specific eating windows or daily calorie monitoring may not receive benefit from these dietary approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a more effective and sustainable way for people with obesity and prediabetes to manage their weight and improve their metabolic health.
How similar studies have performed: A pilot study by these researchers showed promising short-term results for time-restricted eating compared to daily calorie restriction, but longer-term effects are still being explored.
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.