Beat the clock: early dinner may boost fat burning

NCT ID NCT05745441

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether eating dinner earlier in the evening, in sync with your body's internal clock, helps burn more fat and control blood sugar. Researchers will compare early versus late dinner in 32 adults—some healthy weight, some with obesity and prediabetes. Participants will stay in a lab to track their circadian rhythms and metabolism precisely.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: timing of dinner (early vs. late)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help explain why late eating harms metabolism and point toward simple timing-based dietary advice for weight and blood sugar control.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 32 participants, so results may not apply broadly. It measures short-term metabolic changes, not long-term weight loss or diabetes prevention.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder prediabetes syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY OBESITY PREDIABETES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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