Exploring prolonged daily fasting as an alternative to calorie restriction for weight loss in obese individuals
Prolonged Daily Fasting As a Viable Alternative to Caloric Restriction in At-Risk Obese Humans
This study is looking at how daily fasting, where you only eat during an 8-hour window, compares to regular calorie counting for helping people with obesity lose weight and improve their health over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10551991 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of prolonged daily fasting, specifically time-restricted eating (TRE), as a potential alternative to traditional caloric restriction for weight loss in obese individuals. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: one practicing TRE with an 8-hour eating window, one following a caloric restriction plan, and one with unrestricted eating. The study aims to determine how these different eating patterns affect weight loss, fat mass, and insulin sensitivity over a 12-week period. By focusing on fasting periods, the research seeks to understand how this approach can enhance metabolic flexibility and improve health outcomes for those struggling with obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are obese adults who are insulin-resistant and currently have an eating window of 14 hours or more.
Not a fit: Patients who are not obese or do not have insulin resistance may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective dietary strategy for weight loss and improved metabolic health in obese individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with time-restricted eating, indicating that this approach may be a viable alternative to traditional caloric restriction.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chow, Lisa Senye — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Chow, Lisa Senye
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.