Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effect of Time-Restricted Eating in 24-hour Metabolic Homeostasis and Diurnal Rhythm

This research study is investigating a specific eating pattern called Time-Restricted Eating (TRE). This involves eating all your daily food within a 9-hour period and then not eating for the remaining 15 hours. The study aims to see how this eating pattern affects key health measures in people who are overweight (obese) or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (prediabetes). We know that in animals, TRE can improve health without needing to count calories, but it's less clear how it works in humans. This study wants to find out if eating within a 9-hour window for 12 weeks can help improve how the body handles sugar and fat, and if it affects natural daily body rhythms and feelings of hunger throughout the day. It's a randomised study, meaning participants will be assigned to different groups by chance.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

15 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

30 May 2031

Obesity Prediabetes

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a particular way of eating called 'Time-Restricted Eating' (TRE). It's essentially about fitting all your meals and snacks for the day into a shorter window, in this case, 9 hours. For example, if you start eating at 9 AM, you'd finish by 6 PM, and then not eat again until 9 AM the next day. This study wants to see how this pattern of eating affects the body's natural daily cycles and how it uses energy, particularly in people who are overweight or have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal (prediabetes).

The main aim is to understand if eating within a 9-hour window for 12 weeks can help improve important health markers related to heart and blood vessel health. Specifically, researchers are interested in how the body processes food and sugar over a full day, and how this eating pattern influences your body's internal clock and feelings of hunger. This type of research is important because it could help us understand new ways to manage weight and prevent conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

While some animal studies have shown benefits from this eating style without needing to strictly count calories, there's less information about how it works in people. This study is designed to give us clearer answers. Participants will be randomly placed into different groups, which helps make the study fair and its results more reliable.

Key takeaways

This study explores a 9-hour daily eating window for health.
It targets people who are overweight or have prediabetes.
The aim is to understand effects on body energy use and daily rhythms.
Participation involves following the eating plan for 12 weeks.
The study does not involve new medications.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be aged between 35 and 75, both men and women are welcome. Your weight, based on your height (BMI), should be between 27 and 45. You also need to have certain blood sugar levels that indicate you might be at risk for type 2 diabetes, or have some signs of insulin resistance, which means your body isn't using insulin as effectively as it should.

Importantly, you should usually eat over a period of 13 hours or more each day in your current routine. You must also be willing and able to understand and agree to take part in the study.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you work shifts, are vegan, smoke, use illegal drugs, or have had certain surgeries like weight loss surgery. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, certain eating disorders, or specific health conditions like cancer in the last five years, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you would not be eligible. Also, if you use certain medications that could affect the study results, or have unstable weight changes recently, you couldn't take part.

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 35 and 75 years old?
Do you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27 and 45?
Do you have elevated blood sugar levels (prediabetes)?
Do you currently eat over 13 hours each day?
Are you able to commit to a 9-hour eating window for 12 weeks?
Are you free from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or specific health conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to follow a specific eating plan for 12 weeks. This involves eating all your food within a 9-hour window each day. You will also be asked to stick to a healthy diet generally.

Throughout the study, you will have several visits for assessments. These will involve checks like blood tests to measure sugar and fat levels, and assessments of your body's daily rhythms and how you feel about hunger. The study is designed to be completed over 12 weeks, and you would not be taking any specific study medication, but rather following a dietary pattern.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of your own health and potentially improving some health markers related to your weight or blood sugar. However, there's no guarantee of personal benefit, and the main aim is to contribute to medical knowledge. Potential risks are generally low, but might include discomfort from blood tests or slight changes in energy levels or hunger as your body adjusts to the new eating pattern. All procedures are carefully monitored. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Cambridge Clinical Research Centre
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'Time-Restricted Eating'?

It's an eating plan where you eat all your daily food within a set time frame, in this study, 9 hours, and then don't eat anything for the rest of the day.

Who can take part in this study?

The study is looking for men and women aged 35-75 who are overweight or have blood sugar levels that show they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How long does the study last?

If you take part, you would follow the eating plan and attend appointments for a total of 12 weeks.

Will I have to change what I eat?

Yes, you'll be asked to eat all your food within a 9-hour window each day and generally follow healthy eating advice.

Will I be given any medicine?

No, this study focuses on a specific eating pattern and healthy diet, not on giving out new medications.

How to find out more

Maria Chondronikola

mc2425@medschl.cam.ac.uk +4401223746784 Official trial record

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