How the timing of eating affects metabolism
Official title: Effect of temporal distribution of macronutrient intake on metabolism
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10885097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how when you eat carbs and fats can affect your health, especially for night shift workers who might have trouble because their eating times don’t match their body’s natural clock, and it aims to find helpful eating schedules to improve their metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $789,091 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164454-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include night shift workers and individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes due to irregular eating habits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable eating patterns and no risk factors for metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changing the timing of macronutrient intake, specifically carbohydrates and fats, influences metabolic health markers. It focuses on vulnerable groups, such as night shift workers, who may experience health issues due to misalignment between their eating patterns and their body's natural circadian rhythms. By analyzing how glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity vary with different eating schedules, the study aims to develop practical dietary recommendations that could improve metabolic health. Participants may be asked to follow specific eating schedules to assess the impact on their metabolic function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary strategies that improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes for individuals with irregular eating patterns.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the impact of meal timing on metabolic health, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
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
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.