How eating at the wrong times affects weight and metabolism

Impact of circadian misalignment on energy balance regulation

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10461005

This study is looking at how eating late at night might cause weight gain and other health problems, especially for people who struggle with their eating habits, and it aims to find out if changing when you eat can help improve your body's balance and overall health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10461005 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how misaligning meal times with sleep patterns can lead to weight gain and metabolic issues. It focuses on individuals who eat late in the day and examines the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon, including the role of neuropeptides that influence appetite and reward in the brain. By altering meal timing, the study aims to understand its effects on hormones that regulate energy balance and overall body composition. Participants may be involved in assessments of their eating habits and physiological responses to different meal timings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who frequently eat late in the day and may be struggling with weight management or metabolic disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who maintain regular meal times aligned with their sleep patterns are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into better dietary practices that promote weight management and metabolic health.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been observational studies on meal timing and weight gain, this research aims to provide more definitive mechanistic insights, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.