Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Investigating the Impact of Early Time-Restricted Eating on Health Outcomes and Quality of Life in Adults With Mild Controlled Asthma Compared to Healthy Adults

This research is investigating a eating pattern called 'early time-restricted eating' (eTRE). This means eating all your meals within a specific window of time each day, like only between breakfast and early evening. The study wants to understand how this eating pattern affects overall health and how people feel in their daily lives. Researchers will compare two groups of adults: those with mild, well-controlled asthma and those without asthma. Importantly, participants won't be told to change *what* they eat, only *when*. The aim is to see if simply adjusting meal times can lead to improvements in health and quality of life for these individuals.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

De Montfort University

Enrolment target

Start

25 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Asthma Management Time Restricted Eating

What is this study about?

This study is exploring a way of eating called 'early time-restricted eating' (eTRE). In simple terms, this means eating all your daily meals within a set number of hours – for example, only between 8 AM and 4 PM – and then not eating for the rest of the day and overnight. The interesting part is that participants don't have to change *what* they eat, just *when* they eat it. Researchers want to see if this pattern of eating can make a difference to people's health and how they feel.

The study is particularly looking at two groups of adults. One group will be adults who have mild asthma that is well-controlled by their current treatments. The other group will be adults who don't have asthma, acting as a comparison. By looking at both groups, the researchers can see if early time-restricted eating has similar or different effects on people with and without mild asthma.

The main goal is to understand if this eating approach can lead to improvements in general health, how well the lungs work, and overall quality of life for these adults. It's about gathering more information to see if simply changing meal timing could be a helpful part of a healthy lifestyle for some people.

Key takeaways

Exploring meal timing, not diet changes.
Compares adults with mild asthma and healthy adults.
Involves two weeks of different eating patterns.
Four visits to campus for health checks and tests.
Helps understand health and quality of life changes.
Your normal medication should be continued.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 65 years old. You might be eligible if you don't have asthma, or if you have asthma that is mild and well-controlled with your current treatment. Important for everyone, you shouldn't be following any specific diet plan already, and you need to be able to read and understand information in English.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your asthma is moderate or severe, or if you are pregnant. We also can't include people who smoke, are currently taking strong steroids, or have had recent breathing problems like a chest infection. If you've recently had surgery, particularly on your chest, tummy, or eyes, or if you have certain heart conditions, cancer, or an autoimmune disease, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Additionally, if you've been diagnosed with an eating disorder or if you work overnight shifts regularly, this study wouldn't be suitable for you. This is to make sure the study is safe and that results are clear for everyone involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have mild, well-controlled asthma, or no asthma at all?
Are you currently not following any specific diet plan?
Do you not smoke?
Are you not pregnant?
Do you have no recent major surgeries or serious heart conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to follow two different eating patterns for one week each: one week of early time-restricted eating and one week of your usual eating schedule. You'll stick to your normal diet and physical activity during both weeks. You will need to attend four visits at the research facility on campus. During these visits, the research team will take saliva, blood, and urine samples to check various health markers. You'll also have standard breathing tests to measure your lung function. You'll be asked to fill out short questionnaires about your physical activity and how you feel about your quality of life. There will also be a brief chat with the researchers about your asthma symptoms (if applicable) and quality of life. For each week of the study, you'll be asked to keep a short diary of what you've eaten. Finally, we'll ask for details of any medicines you currently take. The total time you'd be involved in the study would be a few weeks, including the two eating pattern periods and the four campus visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research always comes with potential benefits and some small risks. You might find that participating helps you learn more about your own body and health, and you'll be contributing to valuable scientific knowledge that could help others in the future. The risks in this study are generally low; they include minor discomfort from blood tests and the time commitment for visits and logging. It's important to remember that this study is not designed to provide personal medical advice or treatment. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without having to explain why, and this will not affect your routine medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Health and Life Science
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'early time-restricted eating'?

It means eating all your daily meals within a specific, shorter window of time, for example, only during daylight hours, and then not eating for the rest of the day and overnight.

Do I have to change my diet?

No, you can continue eating your usual foods. The study is only looking at *when* you eat, not *what* you eat.

How many times do I need to visit the research facility?

You will need to attend four visits to the research facility on campus.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll provide saliva, blood, and urine samples, and have breathing tests to check your lung function. You'll also complete some questionnaires and have a short chat with the team.

Can I still take my regular medication?

Yes, you should continue taking any medications prescribed by your doctor. The researchers will ask for details of these.

How to find out more

Nouf N Alotaibi

P2876983@my365.dmu.ac.uk +447852689959 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.