Meal Timing and Caloric Content for Metabolism
(MetChrono Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how meal timing and calorie content affect metabolism and heart health after eating. Participants will experience different meal challenges, such as a high-calorie breakfast and a regular-calorie dinner, to observe their body's responses. Individuals who have not recently followed a ketogenic diet and lack a history of certain digestive issues are suitable candidates. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the impact of meal timing on health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants who are currently taking antioxidant supplements, prescribed NSAIDs, antibiotics, steroids, probiotics, or medications for cholesterol, diabetes, or weight management.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Studies have shown that meal timing and calorie intake can affect metabolism and heart health. One study found that consuming the same number of calories later in the day made individuals with overweight and obesity feel hungrier and altered their energy use. This suggests that meal timing can influence food processing in the body.
For higher-calorie meals, research indicates they can affect gene function, particularly in individuals with more liver fat. This implies that consuming more calories can alter food processing, depending on one's health.
Researchers are examining both meal timing and calorie content to understand their effects on post-meal metabolism and heart health. While these factors are under investigation, no direct evidence from these studies suggests major safety concerns with the mixed meal challenges used in research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how the timing and caloric content of meals can influence metabolism, which is different from traditional dietary approaches focusing solely on calorie counting or macronutrient distribution. Unlike typical dietary guidelines that don't emphasize the timing of calorie intake, this study examines whether consuming a larger portion of daily calories in the morning or evening impacts metabolic health differently. By comparing eucaloric and hypercaloric meal challenges at different times of the day, the trial aims to uncover insights into optimizing meal timing for better metabolic outcomes. This could potentially lead to individualized dietary strategies that are more effective for managing weight and metabolic diseases.
What evidence suggests that this trial's meal timing and caloric content interventions could be effective for metabolism?
This trial will compare different meal timing and caloric content strategies. Research has shown that meal timing and caloric intake can affect metabolism. Participants in the "Eucaloric Evening Mixed Meal Challenge" arm will consume an evening meal providing 25% of their estimated daily caloric need. Studies have found that eating late at night, even when maintaining weight, can increase hunger and reduce energy expenditure. Meanwhile, participants in the "Hypercaloric Morning Mixed Meal Challenge" arm will consume a morning meal with 37.5% of their estimated daily caloric need. Consuming excess calories in the morning can influence food processing and fat storage, varying by body type. Early findings suggest that both meal timing and caloric intake significantly impact metabolism, energy balance, and weight management.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy individuals interested in how different meal sizes and timing affect their body's metabolism and cardiovascular responses after eating. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants should have no major health issues that could interfere with the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo mixed meal challenges to assess the effects of caloric content and timing on postprandial metabolism and cardiovascular response
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after meal challenges
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mixed Meal Feeding Challenge
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
George Washington University
Lead Sponsor