How intermittent fasting can improve lipid metabolism and health
Official title: Beneficial reprogramming of lipid metabolism with intermittent fasting
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10830426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking breaks from eating, known as intermittent fasting, can help improve heart health and metabolism, especially for people who are overweight, without having to stick to a strict diet every day.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $663,984 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133578-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10830426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in improving their metabolic health, particularly those who are overweight or have cardiometabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are underweight or have specific eating disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of intermittent fasting on lipid metabolism and overall cardiometabolic health. It aims to understand how fasting can provide benefits similar to caloric restriction without the need for daily adherence to a strict diet. By analyzing metabolic responses through clinical assessments and advanced multi-omics techniques, the study seeks to identify how fasting duration impacts health markers like weight, blood lipids, and glucose levels. The research also explores whether these benefits are more pronounced in individuals who are overweight.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary strategies that improve metabolic health and potentially extend lifespan.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with intermittent fasting, indicating potential benefits similar to those of caloric restriction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fazeli, Pouneh Khadejeh — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Fazeli, Pouneh Khadejeh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Intermittent fasting and blood sugar in adults with diabetes
A study will look at how two forms of intermittent fasting might improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
-
Fatty acid signals that control protein production during fasting and aging
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Intermittent fasting with PD-1 inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer
This grant tests whether a fasting-mimicking diet can boost the effectiveness of PD-1 inhibitors for people with non-small cell lung cancer.
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Fasting-mimicking diet and cancer stem cells in Wilms tumor
Aiming to see if a fasting-mimicking diet can boost cancer-killing treatment while protecting healthy cells in children with Wilms tumor.
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Intermittent Fasting to Boost Fracture Healing in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
A study tests whether intermittent fasting can improve bone healing in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes by changing the gut microbiome.
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Intermittent fasting and nutrition counseling to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes
A large 12-month program will compare time-restricted eating, intermittent energy restriction, and standard nutrition education to see which approach best improves blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
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.