Impact of fasted exercise on heart and metabolic health

Investigating the Role of Fasted Exercise on Improving Cardiometabolic Health; a Potential Mediatory Role of Sirtuins

Not applicable Interventional Manchester Metropolitan University · NCT05742373

This study is testing whether exercising on an empty stomach is better for heart and metabolic health compared to exercising after eating, and it’s for people who want to improve their fitness and health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorManchester Metropolitan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Manchester, Greater Manchester)
Trial IDNCT05742373 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized control trial investigates the effects of fasted versus fed exercise on cardiometabolic health. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: fasted exercise, fed exercise, or a control group with no exercise. Over four weeks, those in the exercise groups will engage in moderate-intensity cycling three times a week, with metabolic responses measured before and after the intervention. The study aims to assess changes in cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors, as well as the role of specific genes related to metabolism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically inactive adults with a BMI over 18.5 who are not pregnant and have no significant health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are regular exercisers or have certain chronic medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how fasted exercise may improve heart health and metabolic conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of fasted exercise is gaining interest, this specific approach and its potential effects on cardiometabolic health are relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female
* Non-smokers
* Physically inactive (partake in no more than one exercise session per week on average)
* Body mass index \>18.5 kg/m2
* Healthy as assessed by medical screening questionnaire
* Prior recipient of local anaesthetic with no known adverse effects, no known hypersensitivity or no other health issue that may constrain the administration of lidocaine hydrochloride
* Free from musculoskeletal injury and able to perform cycling exercise
* Capacity to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Regular exerciser
* BMI \< 18.5 kg/m2
* Pregnant
* Allergy or intolerances to test meal products/ingredients (such as wheat or dairy products).
* Recent major body weight change (+/- 3 kg in the past month)
* Known hypersensitivity to Lidocaine Hydrochloride
* Cardiovascular disease - complete heart block or hypovolaemia
* Adam's-Stokes Syndrome
* Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
* Porphyria
* Epilepsy
* Myasthenia Gravis
* Other chronic medical condition or diagnosis including respiratory (eg asthma), endocrine, cardiovascular, neuromuscular disorders.
* Taking medications or receiving treatment that may constrain the administration of lidocaine or local anaesthesia.

Where this trial is running

Manchester, Greater Manchester

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 Cardiovascular DiseasesDiabetes Mellitus, Type 2ObesityCardiovascular diseaseDiabetes MellitusCardiometabolic healthExerciseFasted
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.