Early time-restricted eating for older adults with high blood pressure
The Effect of Early Time-Restricted Eating on Cardiometabolic Health and Circadian Rhythms in Hypertensive Older Adults With Habitual Prolonged Eating Window
This project will try early time-restricted eating in adults 60 and older with high blood pressure to see if a shorter, earlier daily eating window improves body rhythms and cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT07135505 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls adults aged 60 and older with average office systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg who currently eat for ≥12 hours per day. Participants will switch to an earlier, shortened daily eating window and be followed for changes in circadian (body) rhythms and cardiometabolic measures. Researchers will collect physiological measurements such as blood pressure and metabolic markers and monitor timing of eating and activity. The goal is to determine whether shifting eating earlier in the day produces measurable improvements in rhythm alignment and cardiometabolic health in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 60 or older with average office systolic BP ≥130 mmHg, a habitual eating window of ≥12 hours per day on most days, and stable health over the past two months.
Not a fit: People with diagnosed diabetes or on diabetes medications, recent major cardiac events, those already fasting >12 hours daily, those actively in weight-loss programs, or those unable to maintain a regular early wake/sleep schedule are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lower blood pressure and improve metabolic health and daily rhythm stability in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous time-restricted eating studies in younger and mixed-age adults have reported improvements in some cardiometabolic markers, but evidence specifically in older adults with hypertension is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Consent to participate in the study * Men and women ≥ 60 years old * Average office systolic BP ≥130 mmHg * Self-reported ≥12 hours eating period per day of at least 5 days/week * Stable health history over the past 2 months Exclusion Criteria: * Fasting \>12 hours per day * Actively trying to lose weight by participating in formal weight loss program or significantly restricting calorie intake * Have lost ≥ 10 pounds in last 3 months * Unable to wake up at a regular time between 6-8 am * Perform overnight shift work more than 1day/week on average * Resting heart rate of \>120 beats per minute, systolic blood pressure \> 180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of \> 100 mmHg * Have been diagnosed with diabetes * On insulin or diabetes medication * Unstable angina, heart attack or stroke in the past 3 months * Continuous use of supplemental oxygen to manage a chronic pulmonary condition or heart failure * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease or currently on dialysis * Current diagnosis of a major psychiatric condition that would impair study participation * Severe gastrointestinal disease, major gastrointestinal surgery, or active gallstone disease * Active treatment for cancer in the past year * Taking medications that preclude fasting for 16 hours (e.g. must be taken with food at least 12 hours apart)
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
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.