Time-restricted eating for treating childhood obesity
Official title: Time Restricted Eating in Childhood Obesity: An Open-Label, Blinded-Endpoint, Parallel-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by Children's Hospital of Soochow University · NCT06583447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a 12-hour eating schedule can help kids aged 8-17 with obesity lose more weight and stick to their diet better than a regular calorie-restricted diet.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Soochow University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Suzhou, Jiangsu and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 28, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06583447 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 8-17 years with a BMI-Z score greater than 2 who are willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have been actively fasting for more than 12 hours a day or those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or psychiatric disorders, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-hour time-restricted eating (TRE) regimen compared to a traditional calorie-restricted diet (CRD) in treating childhood obesity. Participants aged 8-17 with a BMI-Z score greater than 2 will follow either the TRE or CRD diet for 48 weeks, with regular check-ups and dietary diaries to monitor adherence and weight loss. The study seeks to determine if TRE leads to greater weight loss and better adherence than CRD, addressing a significant gap in obesity treatment for children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective and sustainable dietary intervention for managing childhood obesity.
How similar studies have gone: While time-restricted eating has shown promise in adult populations, this study represents a novel approach as there is limited trial evidence for its effectiveness in children.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 8-17 years. * Childhood obesity: BMI-z score \> 2. * Agree to participate in this study and signed an informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who have been actively fasting for more than 12 hours/day. * Diabetic patients on hypoglycemic medications. * Individuals undergoing weight loss interventions or previous bariatric surgery. * Individuals with psychiatric, intellectual developmental disorders, or aphasia. * Individuals on appetite or weight-suppressing medications within the last three months (e.g., antipsychotics, hypnotics, weight-loss drugs, insulin).
Where it's running
-
Children's Hospital of Soochow University
Suzhou, Jiangsu, China Recruiting -
Children's Hopital of Soochow University
Suzhou, Jiangsu, China Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hao Peng, PhD
- Email: penghao@suda.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 051265880079
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.