The effects of dinner timing on metabolism and obesity

Metabolic Effects of Circadian-Based Dinner Time

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11098574

This study is looking at how having dinner at different times can affect your metabolism and weight, and it's for people who want to learn more about how meal timing might help with obesity and metabolic health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11098574 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the timing of dinner in relation to our body's natural circadian rhythms affects metabolism and obesity. By assessing individual circadian rhythms using a method called dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), the study will assign participants to have dinner either early or late while keeping their sleep times consistent. Researchers will monitor metabolic responses through blood sampling and other advanced techniques to understand how meal timing influences metabolic health. The study aims to provide insights that could help improve dietary recommendations for individuals, especially those at risk of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who are either normal-weight or have obesity and prediabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or those without metabolic issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary guidelines that optimize meal timing to improve metabolic health and reduce obesity-related complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that meal timing can significantly impact metabolic health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
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.