Eating Patterns for Obesity

(DEPTH Trial)

Overseen By Hollie A Raynor, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Must not be taking: Sleep medications, Weight loss medications

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Heart condition, Major psychiatric diseases, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 months

174 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how the timing of calorie consumption affects weight loss over a year. Participants will follow a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet, with some consuming most calories in the morning (DEPTH-Morning) and others in the evening (DEPTH-Evening). The goal is to determine which timing aids more in weight loss and improves sleep and appetite. It suits individuals with a BMI between 27 and 45 who do not have diabetes or heart conditions and can engage in regular physical activity. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how meal timing impacts health and weight management.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking medication that requires eating at certain times, you may not be eligible to participate.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that consuming most of your calories in the evening (DEPTH-Evening) can impact weight and how the body processes food. One study found that having just one meal in the evening might aid weight loss and improve fat utilization during exercise. However, eating more at night has also been linked to risks such as weight gain and heart problems, as it can affect blood sugar and the body clock.

For the morning-focused plan (DEPTH-Morning), studies suggest it might help prevent metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Eating more in the morning was associated with better blood sugar levels and might be more effective for weight loss.

Both plans emphasize when you eat rather than what you eat. Research provides insights into their safety, showing potential benefits and some risks, but results can vary for each person. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Eating Patterns for Obesity trial because it explores how the timing of food intake can impact weight management, which isn't typically emphasized in standard obesity treatments like medication or surgery. The DEPTH-Evening and DEPTH-Morning interventions focus on when calories are consumed during the day, either in the evening or morning, potentially enhancing weight loss and metabolic health. By pairing these time-specific eating patterns with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise, this trial aims to uncover whether adjusting when you eat can make a significant difference in managing obesity.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for obesity?

This trial will compare different eating patterns for obesity. Research has shown that consuming more calories in the evening might increase the risk of obesity. Specifically, studies have found that having a larger dinner compared to breakfast can heighten this risk. Participants in the DEPTH-Evening group will follow an evening-loaded energy distribution to evaluate this pattern. Conversely, evidence suggests that consuming more calories in the morning may aid in weight control. Eating in the morning has been shown to improve blood sugar levels and lead to better weight loss. Participants in the DEPTH-Morning group will follow a morning-loaded energy distribution to assess these benefits. Overall, shifting calorie intake to earlier in the day might be more effective for losing weight and improving health. The DEPTH-Standard group will serve as a comparator with no specific guidance on energy intake distribution. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with a BMI between 27 and 45 kg/m2 who are looking to lose weight. It's not suitable for those outside this BMI range.

Inclusion Criteria

My BMI is between 27 and 45.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants follow a 12-month lifestyle intervention with time-based energy intake goals, a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, physical activity, and cognitive behavioral intervention

12 months

Assessments at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• DEPTH
• DEPTH-Evening
• DEPTH-Morning

Trial Overview The DEPTH study tests if eating most calories in the morning or evening affects long-term weight loss. Participants follow a low-fat diet, exercise at least 200 minutes weekly, and receive behavioral therapy.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: DEPTH-Morning Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in the Morning Group will receive a reduced-energy, low-fat dietary prescription (1200-1500 kcal/d, \< 30% energy from fat), physical activity goals (\> 200 min/wk of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity \[MVPA\]) and a cognitive behavioral intervention. They will also have time-based energy intake goals of 70% of kcal within the first 6 hrs of the eating window and 30% of kcal within the last 6 hrs of the eating window (a morning-loaded energy distribution).

Group II: DEPTH-Evening Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in the Evening Group will receive a reduced-energy, low-fat dietary prescription (1200-1500 kcal/d, \< 30% energy from fat), physical activity goals (\> 200 min/wk of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity \[MVPA\]) and a cognitive behavioral intervention. They will also have time-based energy intake goals of 30% of kcal within the first 6 hrs of the eating window and 70% of kcal within the last 6 hrs of the eating window (an evening-loaded energy distribution).

Group III: DEPTH-Standard Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in the Standard Group will receive a reduced-energy, low-fat dietary prescription (1200-1500 kcal/d, \< 30% energy from fat), physical activity goals (\> 200 min/wk of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity \[MVPA\]) and a cognitive behavioral intervention. Standard group will receive no guidance on energy intake distribution (standard lifestyle intervention).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Lead Sponsor

Trials

93

Recruited

19,500+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a 12-week study involving 91 overweight/obese non-shift workers, those who achieved a satisfactory weight loss (≥3% body weight) had a significantly higher intake of protein earlier in the day and reduced fat intake later in the day, indicating that timing and composition of meals are crucial for weight loss success.

Participants with satisfactory weight loss also had earlier last meal times and shorter eating windows, along with a notable reduction in night eating syndrome scores, suggesting that chrono-nutrition practices can effectively support weight reduction efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvement in chrono-nutrition is associated with robust weight loss outcomes: An extension of the feasibility study. Mazri, FH., Manaf, ZA., Shahar, S., et al.[2023]

In a study of 850 Iranian adults, researchers found no significant relationship between chronotype (morning vs. evening preference) and obesity-related measures or unhealthy eating habits, suggesting that chronotype may not influence these factors in this population.

Both morning and intermediate/evening chronotypes were present in the sample, but the study indicated that intermediate/evening types did not show higher obesity or unhealthy eating patterns after accounting for other factors like education and employment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Association of chronotype with eating habits and anthropometric measures in a sample of Iranian adults. Zeraattalab-Motlagh, S., Lesani, A., Majdi, M., et al.[2022]

In a study of 400 participants, it was found that normal-weight individuals with a 'morningness' chronotype consumed most of their calories earlier in the day, while those with an 'eveningness' chronotype had higher calorie intake at dinner, indicating a link between chronotype and dietary habits.

Overweight and obese individuals showed disrupted eating patterns that did not align with their biological rhythms, suggesting that dietary interventions should consider chronotype to improve weight management and overall health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The association among chronotype, timing of food intake and food preferences depends on body mass status. Muñoz, JSG., Cañavate, R., Hernández, CM., et al.[2018]

In a study of 499 participants over one year, having more eating episodes each day was linked to a lower risk of obesity, suggesting that frequent meals may help maintain a healthy weight.

Conversely, skipping breakfast significantly increased the likelihood of obesity, with participants who skipped breakfast having an odds ratio of 4.5 for obesity, indicating a strong association between breakfast habits and weight management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Association between eating patterns and obesity in a free-living US adult population. Ma, Y., Bertone, ER., Stanek, EJ., et al.[2022]

In a study of 173 patients with severe obesity, four distinct eating patterns were identified, with the most common pattern (Profile 1) involving regular meals throughout the day, which did not vary with body mass index (BMI).

The study found that certain eating patterns, particularly those involving nighttime nibbling (Profiles 3 and 4), were linked to poorer psychological outcomes, suggesting that understanding a patient's eating habits could help identify those at higher risk for psychological issues related to obesity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chrono-Nutritional Patterns, Medical Comorbidities, and Psychological Status in Patients with Severe Obesity. Bettini, S., Schiff, S., Carraro, E., et al.[2023]

In a study of 23,003 US adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, night-time eating was not found to be associated with body weight status, including BMI and obesity measures.

The results suggest that simply restricting food intake at night without reducing overall daily caloric intake may not effectively prevent obesity, indicating the need for further research on dietary behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Night-time eating and body weight status among US adults, 2007-2016. An, R., Shi, Y., Clarke, C., et al.[2020]

In a study of 599 adults, morning chronotypes exhibited 85% higher self-regulation of eating behavior (SREB) compared to evening chronotypes, suggesting that chronotype influences dietary self-control.

Evening chronotypes were found to be more tempted by unhealthy foods like fried foods and chips, indicating a potential area for dietary intervention strategies to improve their eating habits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Morning individuals in Saudi Arabia have higher self-regulation of eating behavior compared to evening types. Al-Hazmi, MH., Noorwali, EA.[2023]

In a study of 1912 Greek children aged 9 to 13, late-night overeating was linked to a higher likelihood of skipping breakfast and consuming fewer calories at breakfast, suggesting a negative impact on healthy eating habits.

For children with low physical activity levels, higher calorie intake at dinner was associated with an increased body mass index, while this relationship was reversed for those with high physical activity, indicating that activity levels may influence the effects of late-night eating on weight.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Late-night overeating is associated with smaller breakfast, breakfast skipping, and obesity in children: The Healthy Growth Study. Karatzi, K., Moschonis, G., Choupi, E., et al.[2018]

Eating the same amount of calories in the evening led to significant weight gain and increases in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, while morning eating did not affect these measurements, suggesting that timing of food intake is crucial for weight management.

Morning feeding was associated with lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, indicating a protective effect against metabolic syndrome, whereas evening feeding resulted in higher blood glucose levels and increased HbA1c, which are risk factors for obesity and related diseases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of circadian restricted feeding on parameters of metabolic syndrome among healthy subjects. Singh, RB., Cornelissen, G., Mojto, V., et al.[2021]

Individuals with a late chronotype (evening type) are more likely to be overweight or obese and have poorer metabolic health compared to those with an early chronotype (morning type), despite similar overall energy and macronutrient intakes.

Late chronotypes tend to consume more food during nighttime hours, which is associated with unhealthy eating behaviors and unfavorable dietary choices, contributing to their increased risk of obesity and metabolic issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chronotype Differences in Body Composition, Dietary Intake and Eating Behavior Outcomes: A Scoping Systematic Review. van der Merwe, C., Münch, M., Kruger, R.[2023]

In a study of 144 severely obese individuals, 73% reported poor sleep quality, while only 2.8% exhibited night-eating behavior, indicating that while sleep issues are prevalent, night eating is relatively uncommon.

A strong correlation (r=0.54) was found between poor sleep quality and night eating, suggesting that those with poor sleep may be more likely to engage in night eating, but this relationship is not affected by excessive daytime sleepiness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Correlations between night eating, sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness in a severely obese UK population. Cleator, J., Abbott, J., Judd, P., et al.[2016]

In a study of 81 adults with obesity, those with a morning chronotype (MC) spent significantly more time eating lunch and dinner compared to evening chronotype (EC) individuals, who ate faster.

The faster eating speed of EC individuals may contribute to their higher risk of obesity-related cardiometabolic diseases, highlighting the importance of chronotype in dietary habits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How Fast Do "Owls" and "Larks" Eat? Verde, L., Docimo, A., Chirico, G., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 2265 employees from 34 worksites, greater morning snacking was linked to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, suggesting a positive dietary behavior.

Conversely, evening snacking was associated with higher BMI and unhealthy eating habits, indicating that reducing evening snacks could be a key strategy for preventing obesity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eating Occasions, Obesity and Related Behaviors in Working Adults: Does it Matter When You Snack? Barrington, WE., Beresford, SAA.[2020]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06455995

NCT06455995 | Daily Eating Patterns for Total Health Study The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to learn how the time of day when calories are eaten affects weight loss in the long-term (12 months).

2. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/daily-eating-patterns-for-total-health-study

Daily Eating Patterns for Total Health Study (DEPTH) The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to learn how the time of day when calories are eaten affects weight loss in the long-term ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666324004495

Exploring factors influencing late evening eating and ... A randomised clinical trial in women with overweight or obesity found that women who consumed their evening meals between 19:00 and 19:30 lost ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8971321/

Inconsistent eating time is associated with obesity We found that individuals with inconsistent eating patterns had higher BMI than those with consistent eating time, while the food components were comparable ...

5. nutritionj.biomedcentral.com nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12937-025-01094-9

The associations between evening eating and quality of ... This study demonstrated that excessive intake of energy at dinner than breakfast during a day was associated with a greater risk of obesity.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8787212/

Differential Effects of One Meal per Day in the Evening on ... Conclusion: A single meal per day in the evening lowers body weight and adapts metabolic flexibility during exercise via increased fat oxidation whereas ...

7. scitechdaily.com scitechdaily.com/late-night-eating-linked-to-obesity-and-heart-disease/

Late-Night Eating Linked to Obesity and Heart Disease Twin data reveal late meals disrupt glucose metabolism and circadian timing. Genetic and lifestyle factors shape individual responses.

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831323000066

Dietary Patterns under the Influence of Rotational Shift ... Consuming a greater proportion of daily energy intake in the evening has been associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome [11,12] and eating at night is ...