TIME-Met Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
TIME-Met Study: Temporal Eating Patterns and Metabolic Health
IRAS ID
366486
Contact name
Maria Chondronikola
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
A097624,
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Obesity and metabolic conditions are major health problems around the worldwide, leading to serious illness and can reduce quality of life. While current advice focuses on eating fewer calories and increasing physical activity, emerging research suggests that when we eat may also affect metabolic health. However, we still do not fully understand how meal timing affects people who may be more at-risk for metabolic complications, such as women in early motherhood and people with fatty liver disease. To explore this, we are conducting a study in two groups;
1. First-time mothers in early motherhood, and women that do not have children.
2. People with fatty liver disease and matched controls without fatty liver disease.
Our aim is to compare meal timing habits between these groups. We will invite two set of participants: women in early motherhood and individuals with fatty liver disease. All participants will complete a 3-day diet diary and a questionnaire about eating habits, sleep, lifestyle, and daily routines. All the questionnaires responses will be administered and stored securely via REDCap. Participants may also be invited to complete an optional remote body composition assessment using the MeThreeSixty® app.A smaller subset of volunteers will take part in additional assessment. These include a fasting blood draw, measurements of height, weight, waist and hip circumference, vital signs, and a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. They will also wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an actigraphy device for 14 days to track blood sugar levels, sleep patterns, and daily activity.
Our study will provide early findings on how eating patterns and daily routines may differ between women in early motherhood, people with fatty liver disease and their matched controls. These results could help guide future personalised lifestyle advice for early motherhood metabolic recovery and fatty liver disease management
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0310
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion