Impact of Chronotype-Based Time-Restricted Eating on Visceral Fat and Metabolic Health in Physically Inactive Adults With Central Obesity

Launched by CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Jul 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a special eating plan called time-restricted eating (TRE), where people eat all their meals within a shorter window of time each day, usually between 6 to 10 hours. The goal is to see if matching the timing of this eating window to a person’s natural body clock—whether they are an “early bird” or a “night owl”—can help reduce harmful belly fat (called visceral fat) and improve overall health in adults who are not very physically active and have central obesity (extra fat around the stomach area). The study will compare people who follow a TRE plan that fits their body clock, those who follow a TRE plan that doesn’t match their body clock, and a control group over 12 weeks.

To join the study, participants need to be Chinese adults aged 18 to 65, with a body mass index (BMI) of 23 or higher and a waist size above 80 cm for women or 90 cm for men. They should not be physically active according to health guidelines, have stable weight for at least three months, and currently eat over 12 hours a day. People who are pregnant, have certain health conditions, or are on specific medications won’t be able to join. If accepted, participants will follow the eating schedule assigned to them for 12 weeks, and researchers will check their belly fat and health markers before and after the study to see if the personalized eating times make a difference.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Chinese adults, male or female, aged between 18-65 years old;
• • 2. BMI of 23 kg/m² or higher, with a waist circumference exceeding 80 cm for females and 90 cm for males;
• • 3. Weight stability for at least three months prior to the start of the study;
• • 4. Physically inactive, indicated by not meeting established WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior (i.e., at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise; or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week;
• • 5. Baseline eating duration exceeding 12 hours per day;
• • 6. Identified as either early or late chronotypes (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Individuals currently or chronically receiving pharmacological treatment for hypertension, diabetes, weight loss, or other metabolic conditions;
• • 2. Night shift workers;
• • 3. Individuals with eating disorders;
• • 4. Female participants who are breast-feeding, pregnant, or attempting to become pregnant;
• • 5. Individuals currently participating in other weight-management programs or following other prescribed diet programs.