Researchers are looking for people who either have Type 2 diabetes or are overweight to participate in the studies.Is eating breakfast really that important? Should you eat dinner early and go to bed on an empty stomach? Is intermittent fasting good for you? These are age-old questions that researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are hoping to answer. UAB has launched two studies, one with people with Type 2 diabetes and one with people who are overweight, to find out whether changing when you eat can make you healthier.
“We all have a circadian clock or body clock that makes our metabolism better at certain times of the day,” said Courtney Peterson, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences in the School of Health Professions. “Eating at the right time of the day, when your metabolism is naturally higher, may improve your health.”
Research suggests that the time of day when you eat affects your blood sugar, weight and blood pressure.
“There’s even evidence that changing when you eat may help people better control their diabetes, lose more body fat and have more energy,” Peterson said.
Now, Peterson is conducting two of the largest studies of meal timing ever done, and her team is looking for people to participate. All participants will be paid for taking part.
“We hope that two groundbreaking studies will lead to new dietary guidelines that provide clear advice on when people should eat, helping millions of people worldwide,” she said.
The CLOCKS Study
The first study, called the CLOCKS study, is looking for adults between the ages of 30 and 80 who have Type 2 diabetes. The study is testing whether it is better to eat throughout the day or to practice intermittent fasting, and whether getting more sunlight can also make people healthier.
Courtney Peterson, Ph.D.“We want to see if we can help people better control their diabetes by changing when they eat or how much sunlight they get,” Peterson said. “We also think there may be benefits for improving mood, energy levels, blood pressure, sleep and even losing body fat.”
Some participants will eat over a period of 12 hours or more, while others will practice intermittent fasting by eating over an 8-hour period and eating an early dinner. In addition, some participants will also get light therapy mimicking natural sunlight.
The study is looking for adults with Type 2 diabetes between the ages of 30 and 80 who are not currently taking insulin. The trial offers a stipend of $2,400 and involves two overnight stays at UAB. To participate or learn more about the study, click here.
The MEAL TIMING Study
The MEAL TIMING Study is trying to resolve the age-old question of whether skipping breakfast is good or bad for you. Since skipping breakfast is a form of intermittent fasting, Peterson says that the study will help researchers also find out whether intermittent fasting is beneficial.
“Some research suggests that skipping breakfast isn’t a problem, while other research suggests that it is a problem,” Peterson said. “We are trying to answer this question definitively, to end all the confusion over breakfast.”
In Peterson’s study, participants will either practice intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast, practice intermittent fasting by eating an early dinner, or eat throughout the day. All participants will be given meals to eat for eight weeks, prepared by the study’s dietitian.
“We are excited to see which of these eating schedules is best for health,” Peterson said. “Is skipping breakfast good for you or bad for you? Is intermittent fasting beneficial, or is it better to eat throughout the day?”
The study is looking for adults ages 30 and 70 who are overweight (BMI between 30-60 kg/m2). Peterson says they are especially looking for adults who are prone to blood sugar issues or have prediabetes. Meals are provided at no cost, and participants will also get $1,200. To participate or learn more about the study, click here.