Comparing early and late eating windows for weight loss in teens with obesity
Early vs. Late Time-Restricted Eating in Adolescents With Obesity (EL TREA)
This study is testing whether teens with obesity can lose more weight by eating earlier or later in the day over a 24-week period.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05740254 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of early versus late time-restricted eating (TRE) in adolescents aged 13-18 with obesity. Over 24 weeks, 100 participants will be randomly assigned to either an early or late eating window to assess the impact on weight loss, body mass index (BMI), glycemic profiles, and body composition. The study aims to determine if adherence to meal timing recommendations can lead to better metabolic outcomes, including improvements in obesity-related risk factors. Additionally, exploratory outcomes such as sleep patterns and physical activity will be evaluated to understand the broader effects of meal timing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-21 years with obesity, specifically those with a BMI greater than the 95th percentile.
Not a fit: Patients with certain medical conditions, such as Prader-Willi Syndrome or diabetes, or those with a history of eating disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new dietary approach to help adolescents with obesity achieve significant weight loss and improve their metabolic health.
How similar studies have performed: While there is evidence supporting early time-restricted eating in adults, this is the first study specifically evaluating its effectiveness in adolescents, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 12-21 years with obesity (BMI\>95th percentile) * participant must be willing and able to adhere to the assessments, visit schedules, and eating/fasting periods * baseline eating window greater than 12 hours. Exclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome, brain tumor, or diabetes serious intellectual disability * previous diagnosis or subthreshold symptoms of an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder) * parent/guardian-reported physical, mental of other inability to participate in the assessments * previous bariatric surgery * current participation in other interventional weight loss studies.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alaina Vidmar, MD — Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Alaina Vidmar, MD
- Email: avidmar@chla.usc.edu
- Phone: 323-361-4606
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.