Effect of Early Time-Restricted Eating on Appetite, Appetite-Regulatory Hormones and Energy Intake
This study is investigating a special eating schedule called 'early Time-Restricted Eating' (eTRE) in healthy men. It aims to understand how eating only during certain hours of the day, specifically earlier in the day, affects feelings of hunger and fullness, as well as important hormones that control appetite. Researchers will compare this eating pattern to a normal diet. They also want to see if eTRE changes how much energy the body uses and how much food men tend to eat afterwards. The goal is to learn more about how different eating times might influence our bodies and eating habits.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're trying to figure out if eating all your meals within a specific window of time each day, especially earlier in the day, makes you feel differently about food. That's essentially what this study is all about! Researchers are looking at a way of eating called 'early Time-Restricted Eating' (eTRE). This means limiting the hours you eat each day, for example, finishing your last meal earlier in the evening.
They want to understand how this pattern of eating affects your body in two main ways. Firstly, they'll be checking your feelings of hunger and fullness, and also measure certain hormones in your body that play a big role in controlling your appetite. These hormones are like messengers telling your body when you’re hungry or full. Secondly, the study will explore if eating this way changes how much energy your body uses and how much food you tend to eat when given the choice.
By comparing eTRE to a normal eating pattern in healthy men, the researchers hope to gain a clearer picture of how timing our meals might influence our appetite, energy levels, and overall eating habits. This could help us understand more about healthy eating patterns in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study explores how timing your meals affects hunger and hormones.
- It compares 'early Time-Restricted Eating' with a normal diet in healthy men.
- Participation involves screening, food diaries, fasting, and two day-long lab visits.
- Researchers will collect blood samples and monitor eating behaviour.
- The study aims to understand links between meal timing and body responses.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, participants must be men at least 18 years old. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) needs to be healthy, usually between 18.5 and 24.9. Also, your weight should have been stable for at least three months, meaning it hasn't changed by more than about 2 kilograms in either direction.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For instance, women cannot take part. If you are under 18 or over 65, you also wouldn't be eligible. You can't be on any special diets, like those for weight loss or if you're vegetarian or vegan. Having food allergies that are related to the study's food, smoking, or taking any regular medications would also mean you can't participate.
Finally, if you have certain health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or eating disorders, you wouldn't be able to join this study. The researchers want to focus on healthy individuals to clearly see the effects of tailored eating.
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 a man, aged between 18 and 65?
- Is your weight currently stable (no big changes lately)?
- Do you have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9)?
- Do you currently eat a regular, unrestricted diet (not vegetarian, vegan, or for weight loss)?
- Are you a non-smoker and not taking any regular medications?
- Do you have no history of diabetes, heart problems, or eating disorders?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have a 'screening visit'. This involves meeting a researcher, filling out a health questionnaire, and having your height and weight measured. If you're suitable, you'll then be invited for two separate experimental visits.
Before these experimental visits, you’ll need to complete a food diary for 24 hours, recording everything you eat and drink. You'll also be asked to stop eating and drinking (except water) from 8:30 PM the night before each visit. During each experimental visit, which starts around 8:00 AM, your weight will be checked, and you’ll spend some time resting. On one visit, you'll follow a normal eating routine, and on the other, you'll follow the 'early Time-Restricted Eating' pattern. During these visits, researchers will monitor your hunger, fullness, and take blood samples to check hormone levels. They will also assess how much energy your body uses and how much food you eat. The total duration of the study involves the screening visit plus two separate experimental days.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- New Lister Building at Glasgow Royal Infirmary Glasgow, United Kingdom G31 2ERVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'early Time-Restricted Eating'?
It's an eating pattern where you eat all your meals within a specific window of time each day, usually earlier in the day, and then fast for the remaining hours.
Will I have to stay overnight for the study?
No, you will attend the lab for visits during the day and then return home.
Do I need to change my diet permanently?
No, you will only follow specific eating instructions related to the dates of your study visits.
What will the researchers do with my information?
Your information will be used to understand how eating patterns affect appetite and hormones, but your personal details will be kept private.
Will I be paid to take part?
The information provided doesn't specify if payment is offered. It's a good question to ask the research team.
How to find out more
Bothinah Jurabi
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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