Effects of intermittent fasting and exercise on inflammation and metabolism in metabolic syndrome

Effects of Intermittent Fasting and Its Combination with High-Intensity Interval Training on Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers, As Well As the Microbiome in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT06885255

This study is testing if intermittent fasting alone or with high-intensity exercise can reduce inflammation and improve metabolism in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School Academic / other
Locations1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT06885255 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention assesses how intermittent fasting, both alone and combined with high-intensity interval training, impacts inflammation and metabolism in individuals with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Participants will engage in a 3-month fasting regimen, with one group also participating in high-intensity interval training twice a week. The study includes control groups of individuals with metabolic syndrome and healthy individuals, and it features multiple in-house visits for assessments and nutritional counseling over a total of 6 months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and elevated hsCRP levels.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular diseases, orthopedic restrictions, or those who are pregnant or nursing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new strategies for managing obesity and metabolic syndrome through lifestyle interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with intermittent fasting and exercise in similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Written consent to participate in the study.
* Persons aged 18 years and older.
* Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) with elevated hsCRP.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or nursing individuals.
* Cardiovascular diseases or orthopedic restrictions that prevent exercise.
* Use of medication or supplements that significantly affect study outcomes (e.g., anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics within the last 6 weeks).
* Body weight greater than 200 kg (maximum capacity of training equipment).
* Individuals with mental illnesses that may impair their ability to understand or participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Erlangen, Bavaria

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 Metabolic SyndromeObesity and Obesity-related Medical Conditionsobesitymetabolic syndromehigh-intensity interval traininginflammationintermittent fasting
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.