Time-restricted eating (16:8) may improve circadian rhythm gene expression (BMAL-1, miRNA-let-7f-1-3p), circadian rhythm status, and sleep quality in obese women compared to an energy-restricted diet
This randomized controlled trial protocol aims to compare the effects of a 16:8 time-restricted eating diet (fasting from 8 PM to 12 PM the next day) versus an energy-restricted diet (55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 15% protein) over 12 weeks in 42 obese women. Outcomes include expression of BMAL-1 and miRNA-let-7f-1-3p genes, circadian rhythm status, sleep quality, anthropometric measurements, and metabolic markers. The study hypothesizes that TRE can positively affect circadian rhythm-related gene expression and sleep quality.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Time-restricted eating (16:8) may improve circadian rhythm gene expression (BMAL-1, miRNA-let-7f-1-3p), circadian rhythm status, and sleep quality in obese women compared to an energy-restricted diet The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Time-restricted eating (16:8) may improve circadian rhythm gene expression (BMAL-1, miRNA-let-7f-1-3p), circadian rhythm status, and sleep quality in obese women compared to an energy-restricted diet
This conclusion is most relevant to: Obese women (n=42).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The effects of time-restricted eating in comparison with energy-restricted diet on expression of BMAL-1 and miRNA-let-7f-1-3p genes, circadian rhythm status, sleep quality, metabolic and anthropometric markers in obese women: a study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial. (Trials, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Time-restricted eating aligns food intake with circadian rhythms
- ▸This may modulate expression of clock genes such as BMAL-1 and miRNA-let-7f-1-3p
- ▸Improved gene expression may restore circadian rhythm status and sleep quality
- ▸Result: Potential reduction in obesity and metabolic disturbances
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Obese women (n=42)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸This is a study protocol; no results are yet available to confirm the hypothesis
- ▸Small sample size (n=42) may limit generalizability
- ▸Only obese women are included, so findings may not apply to men or other populations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is time-restricted eating (TRE) in this study?▼
TRE is a 16:8 fasting schedule where participants fast from 8 PM to 12 PM the next day and eat within an 8-hour window.
What genes are being measured in this trial?▼
The study measures expression of BMAL-1 (a core circadian clock gene) and miRNA-let-7f-1-3p (a microRNA involved in circadian regulation).
How does this study compare TRE to a standard diet?▼
TRE is compared to an energy-restricted diet (ERD) with a macronutrient composition of 55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 15% protein over 12 weeks.
What is the primary outcome of this trial?▼
The primary outcomes are changes in BMAL-1 and miRNA-let-7f-1-3p gene expression, circadian rhythm status, and sleep quality in obese women.
References
- 1.Tavakoli A, Kermani N, Zamani P, Gargari BP, Dehghan P, Mirzaei K. “The effects of time-restricted eating in comparison with energy-restricted diet on expression of BMAL-1 and miRNA-let-7f-1-3p genes, circadian rhythm status, sleep quality, metabolic and anthropometric markers in obese women: a study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial..” Trials, 2026. PMID: 42471709 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-026-09905-y