Time‑restricted eating to improve blood sugar and heart health in adults with metabolic syndrome
Impact of Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF) on Glucose Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Function in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
This trial tests whether limiting daily eating to a 10-hour window (about a 14-hour overnight fast) helps adults with metabolic syndrome improve blood sugar control, weight, and heart‑health markers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will be randomly assigned to follow time‑restricted eating (a 10‑hour daily eating window with about a 14‑hour overnight fast) or continue standard care. The study team will collect blood samples, body composition measurements, blood pressure and cholesterol, and tests related to glucose regulation and mitochondrial function at regular clinic visits. Adherence will be supported and monitored with an Android app and routine contacts, and participants remain in the trial long-term to see if benefits last. The trial enrolls adults aged 18–70 who have metabolic syndrome and are receiving usual medications and lifestyle care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 with a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome who are receiving standard medical and lifestyle care and willing to try a 10‑hour daily eating window.
Not a fit: People for whom prolonged daily fasting is unsafe (for example certain types of diabetes requiring frequent glucose management, pregnancy, or other medical issues) or who cannot follow the schedule or use the smartphone app may not benefit or may be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a low‑cost, easy‑to‑follow eating pattern to help improve blood sugar, reduce weight, and lower cardiovascular risk in people with metabolic syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Shorter and smaller trials of time‑restricted eating have shown weight loss and improved glucose measures, but long‑term randomized data in metabolic syndrome patients are limited.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taub, Pam Rajendran — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Taub, Pam Rajendran
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.