This is a randomized controlled trial studying the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on weight loss in obese humans. Obesity is the number one risk factor for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and numerous studies demonstrate that weight loss is an effective strategy to prevent T2DM and improve the metabolic health of people diagnosed with T2DM. Unfortunately, classical calorie restriction diets often fail to produce long-term weight loss due to low compliance, reduced resting metabolic rate (RMR), and other factors. Therefore, novel dieting techniques must be explored in order to successfully treat obesity and prevent T2DM. Studies in mice provide compelling evidence that feeding/fasting cycles can be altered to produce beneficial effects on weight loss and metabolic health markers in the absence of calorie restriction. Limited research in human subjects suggests that this feeding paradigm may translate to human health as well, however, more research needs to be done in order to confirm this hypothesis. This study will determine if TRE can lead to weight loss in obese human subjects. Secondary outcomes include changes in body composition, HOMA-IR, hormonal and biochemical serum markers, RMR, and total energy expenditure (TEE).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
137
Research team will prescribe an eating plan for the participant to follow for the 12 week study. The eating plan will consist of eating during a specified 8 hour window and fasting for the remaining 16 hours of the day.
Research team will prescribe an eating plan for the participant to follow for the 12 week study.The eating plan will consist of eating three structured meals each day during three specified meal windows.
UCSF Medical Center
San Francisco, California, United States
Weight Loss
Measure changes in weight during the 12 week study
Time frame: Daily for 12 weeks
Fat loss
Measure changes in fat mass during the 12 week study using DXA data
Time frame: Measured twice: Once at study start and once 12 weeks later
Changes in lean mass
Measure changes in lean mass during the 12 week study using DXA data
Time frame: Measured twice: Once at study start and once 12 weeks later
Fasting insulin levels
Measure fasting insulin levels pre and post intervention
Time frame: Measured twice: Once at study start and once 12 weeks later
Resting metabolic rate
Will measure participants resting metabolic rate
Time frame: Measured twice: Once at study start and once 12 weeks later
Total energy expenditure
Will measure participants total energy expenditure during the week leading up to the study start and during the final week of the study
Time frame: Measured twice: Once at study start and once 12 weeks later
Changes in fasting glucose levels
WIll measure fasting blood glucose levels prior to diet intervention and again at study completion
Time frame: Measured twice: Once at study start and once 12 weeks later
Changes in HbA1c levels
WIll measure HbA1c levels prior to diet intervention and again at study completion
Time frame: Measured twice: Once at study start and once 12 weeks later
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