After an initial screening, participants that qualify for the study will be randomly assigned to one of the two study groups (TRE or control) for this trial in a random way (by chance), much like flipping a coin.

If you get assigned to the TRE group, you will have to consume all your meals and snacks during a 9-hour time window.

If you get assigned to the Control group, you will have to consume all your meals and snacks during a 14-hour time window.

Participants in both groups will work with the study dietitian and/or nutritionist to develop a nutritionally balanced diet that will be rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, whole grains, and healthy fats and it will contain smaller amounts of meat and dairy products. If you are vegetarian, we will work with you to find appropriate alternatives for food groups that you may exclude from your diet (for example meat, dairy products, etc.).

Each group will follow this regimen for 12 weeks. We will also perform various tests to check changes in your metabolism. Some of these tests are:

• Medical exam & body composition assessment
• Meal tests and other metabolic testing
• Following a prescribed heart-healthy diet for 14 weeks
• Continuous glucose monitoring
• Fat and muscle biopsies (optional)

This study requires about 20 visits to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, including:

• One screening visit
• Fourteen weekly nutrition counselling visits with a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist
• Two 24-hour visits to assess sugar and fat metabolism
• Two 36-hour visits (depending your group assignment – optional)

For this study we are looking for persons with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 45 (NHS BMI calculator)

You will be compensated up to £1060 for your time.

To be eligible, you should meet the following criteria

• Fluent English speaker
• 25-75 years old
• BMI 27-45 kg/m²
• No chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.)
• Not smoking

For more information, please contact the study team: cuh.nutritionrs@nhs.net

Interested in taking part in our study? Please complete this pre-screening questionnaire.