NIH-funded research R01 grant

How a high fat diet affects body clocks and energy use

Official title: Effect of high fat diet on the circadian system and on circadian rhythms in energy intake and expenditure

Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10896927 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how eating a lot of fatty foods affects our body's natural clock that helps manage energy use, with the goal of finding ways to improve diet and help with weight management and related health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$789,491
NIH project number5R01HL167746-02
Project IDNIH-10896927 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders who are interested in understanding how diet affects their health.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of high fat diets on the body's circadian system, which regulates energy intake and expenditure. By examining how dietary fat influences circadian rhythms, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that may contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders. The research utilizes animal models to explore the relationship between diet, circadian disruption, and energy balance, providing insights that could lead to better dietary recommendations for weight management.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary guidelines that help manage obesity and related metabolic disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary composition can significantly affect circadian rhythms and metabolic health, indicating a promising area of study.

Where this research is happening

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Scheer, Frank a — Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Scheer, Frank a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.