This is a summary of the proposed trial for the The ChronoFast Study: Effects of Early vs. Late Time-Restricted Eating on Cardiometabolic Health, Inflammation, and Sleep in Overweight and Obese Women: A Study Protocol for the ChronoFast Trial
Abstract:
Background: Eating only during certain hours, a method known as time-restricted eating, is a possible way to lose weight, balance sugar and fat levels in your blood, and generally feel better. However, studies have shown different results when people eat mostly in the morning (early time-restricted eating, or eTRE) or mostly in the evening (late time-restricted eating, or lTRE). So, we need more detailed studies to really understand what’s going on.
Objective: The main goal of this study, named the ChronoFast trial, is to see which eating method—eTRE or lTRE—works better for improving heart health while avoiding drastic changes in body weight and calorie intake.
Methods: In this study, we’re sharing how we’ll compare the effects of 2 weeks of eTRE (eating from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm) and lTRE (eating from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm). We’ll measure their effects on how the body uses insulin (a hormone that helps manage sugar levels), blood sugar traits, blood fats, inflammation (which is like body-wide swelling), and sleep quality in 30 overweight or obese women who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. To make sure participants eat at the right times and maintain their usual diet and body weight, we’re using a phone app for real-time monitoring, along with detailed nutrition guidance. We’ll use a variety of tests and questionnaires to evaluate the results, including constant glucose monitoring, activity tracking, and analysis of genes in fat tissue and blood cells.
Discussion: This study will help us figure out whether eating earlier or later in the day is better for heart health. We hope to better understand the reasons behind the results and use them to provide recommendations for doctors and the general public.
Keywords: Eating schedule, Heart health, Weight loss, Time-restricted eating, Obesity, Diabetes, Inflammation, Sleep, Metabolism.
