This study is looking at whether eating all meals within a 6-hour window each day (called Time-Restricted Eating, or TRE) can improve body composition, metabolism, heart health, and blood markers over 12 weeks. The study also wants to find out whether allowing participants to eat normally on weekends makes the diet easier to follow long-term.
Adults aged 18-65 with a BMI of 26 or higher who do not have heart disease or diabetes may be eligible. Participants will be randomly placed into one of two groups: (1) TRE every day for 12 weeks, or (2) TRE on weekdays with normal eating on weekends. All participants will visit the lab twice - once at the start and once at the end - for measurements of body fat, resting calorie burn, heart function, and blood tests. Between visits, participants will log their meals and steps at home and check in with the research team every two weeks.
Between 18 and 65 years of age
Body mass index (BMI) of 26 kg/m² or higher (overweight or obese range)
Physically inactive, defined as 150 minutes or less of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for the 3 months prior to enrollment
No previous history of cardiovascular disease or Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age
BMI below 26 kg/m²
More than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity in the past 3 months
History of cardiovascular disease or Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus