Intermittent eating to reduce belly fat and improve gut bacteria
Effects of Intermittent Energy Restriction on Intra-Abdominal Fat and the Gut Microbiome: A Randomized Trial
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA · NIH-11176012
This trial compares intermittent calorie restriction with daily calorie restriction to find which better reduces belly fat and improves gut bacteria in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HONOLULU, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176012 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be randomly assigned to follow either an intermittent calorie-restriction plan paired with a Mediterranean-style diet or a daily calorie-restricted heart-healthy diet for six months. The team will use imaging to measure visceral (belly) and liver fat, track total body fat, collect blood for cancer-related biomarkers, and analyze stool samples to study the gut microbiome. Participants will get diet counseling, wear activity monitors, and have regular clinic visits to support adherence. The trial enrolls adults from diverse racial and ethnic groups and is coordinated at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with overweight or abdominal obesity who can follow a prescribed calorie-restriction plan and attend regular clinic visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without excess abdominal fat, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with medical conditions that make calorie restriction unsafe may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to dietary approaches that more effectively reduce harmful belly and liver fat and improve gut microbiome markers linked to cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier pilot work from the team showed feasibility and greater efficacy of intermittent restriction plus a Mediterranean pattern versus an active daily calorie-restriction comparator, but larger randomized trials are still limited.
Where this research is happening
HONOLULU, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA — HONOLULU, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LE MARCHAND, LOIC — UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
- Study coordinator: LE MARCHAND, LOIC
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.