Understanding Circadian Rhythms in Human Fat Tissue

Circadian Regulation of Human Adipose Tissue Metabolism

NA · Mayo Clinic · NCT06891534

This study is testing how different eating patterns affect the natural body clock of fat cells in people with and without obesity.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic (other)
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06891534 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the circadian rhythms in subcutaneous adipose tissue among individuals with and without obesity, focusing on how these rhythms are affected by different feeding patterns. It will investigate the intrinsic circadian clock of adipocytes independent of nutrient delivery and assess the impact of central obesity on these rhythms. The study will involve 20 normal weight adults who will be randomized into two feeding groups: continuous feeding via a nasogastric tube or intermittent feeding with three meals a day. Participants will undergo various assessments, including body composition analysis and sleep quality monitoring, to gather comprehensive data on adipose tissue function and circadian rhythms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include sedentary adults with a BMI between 20-25 kg/m2 or 30-37 kg/m2, particularly those with central obesity.

Not a fit: Patients with sleep disorders, those on medications affecting lipid metabolism, or individuals with extreme chronotypes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new insights into obesity management and treatment by understanding how circadian rhythms influence fat tissue function.

How similar studies have performed: While the exploration of circadian rhythms in adipose tissue is a growing field, this specific approach of comparing continuous versus intermittent feeding in humans is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI 20-25 kg/m2 or 30-37 kg/m2
* For participants with obesity a waist-to-hip ratio of ≥0.95 in males and ≥0.90 in females.
* sedentary
* females: non pregnant or breastfeeding
* ability to provide written informed consent and follow study instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of mediations that impact adipocyte/lipid metabolism
* smoking
* insomnia
* sleep apnea
* sleep medication use
* employment in night or shift work
* extreme chronotypes
* Allergy to lidocaine

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obesity, Abdominal, Feeding Patterns, circadian rhythms, adipose tissue, obesity, feeding pattern

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.