Improving Metabolism with Intermittent Fasting
Beneficial reprogramming of lipid metabolism with intermittent fasting
This project looks at how intermittent fasting might change your body's fat processing to improve heart and metabolic health.
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 ID | NIH-11124720 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Calorie restriction has shown promise in improving health and possibly extending life in animals. This project explores if similar benefits can be achieved in people through intermittent fasting, which is often easier to stick with than daily calorie restriction. We want to understand if these benefits come from weight loss or if fasting itself changes how your body uses energy. We are also looking at how fasting affects bone health, as some diets can have negative effects. By studying how your body responds to different fasting patterns, we hope to find new ways to improve your heart and metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Individuals interested in understanding how intermittent fasting affects their metabolism and overall health, potentially including those who are overweight or at risk for cardiometabolic issues, would be ideal.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for acute conditions or those unable to safely participate in dietary interventions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new dietary recommendations or even medications that improve heart and metabolic health by mimicking the benefits of fasting.
How similar studies have performed: Early studies on intermittent fasting have shown metabolic benefits, and caloric restriction has a long history of demonstrated health improvements in various models.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- 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
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 below.