How Eating Times Affect Kidney Health in Obesity

Timing of Diet and Kidney Pathophysiology in Diet-Induced Obesity

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11128728

This work explores how the timing of meals can protect kidneys from damage caused by obesity.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11128728 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We know that obesity can lead to serious kidney problems, including damage and issues with how the body handles fluids. Our previous work with models showed that eating at specific times, rather than constantly, helped restore healthy body processes and reduced kidney damage, even without changing the total amount of food eaten. This project aims to understand exactly how these timed eating patterns improve kidney function, reduce inflammation, and prevent scarring in the kidneys. We are particularly interested in how these eating cycles affect the energy factories within kidney cells and the body's immune response.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals living with obesity and those at risk for kidney dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients not affected by obesity or kidney issues related to diet may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new dietary strategies to prevent or lessen kidney disease in people with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Prior findings in models suggest that timed feeding can positively impact metabolic health, making this a promising area for further exploration in kidney health.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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.