Effects of intermittent carbohydrate restriction on metabolic health

The Effects of Intermittent Carbohydrate Restriction on Metabolic Health and Energy Balance in Adults with Abdominal Overweight and Obesity

Not applicable Interventional University of Bath · NCT06684834

This study is testing if two different ways of cutting back on carbs can improve metabolic health and energy levels in adults who are overweight or obese.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Bath Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bath, Somerset)
Trial IDNCT06684834 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of two different carbohydrate restriction schedules on metabolic health and energy balance in adults with abdominal overweight or obesity. Participants will follow either a 5:2 carbohydrate restriction or an early time-restricted carbohydrate intake approach. The study aims to measure various lifestyle and metabolic health parameters in both free-living and controlled laboratory settings. Additionally, a digital behavior-change intervention will be implemented post-diet to evaluate any lasting metabolic effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with abdominal overweight or obesity, indicated by specific waist circumference or BMI criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with major chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes or coronary heart disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide innovative dietary strategies to improve metabolic health and aid in weight management for individuals with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with carbohydrate restriction approaches, suggesting potential for success in this novel intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Waist circumference of ≥94 cm (37 inches) if male and ≥80 cm (31.5 inches) if female, or BMI above 25 kg/m2
2. Fat mass index (FMI) of \>6 kg/m2 for males, and \>9 kg/m2 for females
3. Aged between 18-65 years
4. Has maintained a stable weight in the last three months (\<3% change in body mass)
5. Keeps track of menstrual cycle regularity or oral contraceptive use (females only)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has a body weight of ≥120kg
2. Plans to undertake other lifestyle modifications during the study to manage weight (e.g. changes in dietary intake or activity levels)
3. Current or previous eating disorder
4. Diagnosed with major chronic conditions (e.g. type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, etc.)
5. Use of medication that may interfere with study outcomes (e.g. glucose or lipid lowering medications)
6. Currently or recently pregnant (within last 6 months), planning to get pregnant or currently lactating
7. Has donated more than 500ml of blood in the last 3 months prior to the initial laboratory visit
8. Insufficient mental capacity or language skills to independently understand and follow the study protocol
9. Dietary restrictions to ingredients in test meals (e.g. gluten and lactose)
10. Has an irregular sleeping pattern (e.g. due to undertaking night-shift work)
11. Any condition, concurrent intervention or behaviour deemed either to pose undue personal risk to the participant or to introduce bias into the experiment

Where this trial is running

Bath, Somerset

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obesity and Overweightcarbohydrate restrictioncarbohydrate timingintermittent carbohydrate restrictionintermittent energy restrictionevening carbohydrate restrictioncarbohydrate periodisation
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.