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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.

Last updated: Jul 24, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. 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.

observational

Tavakoli A, Kermani N, Zamani P, Gargari BP, Dehghan P, Mirzaei K · Trials (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 12 weeks
Intervention: 16:8 time-restricted eating (fasting from 8 PM to 12 PM the next day) for 12 weeks
Outcome: Expression of BMAL-1 and miRNA-let-7f-1-3p genes, circadian rhythm status, sleep quality, anthropometric measurements, metabolic evaluations
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Obese women (n=42)

Result:

PubMed: 42471709DOI: 10.1186/s13063-026-09905-y

Mechanism Graph

Time-restricted eating aligns food intake with circadian rhythms
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This may modulate expression of clock genes such as BMAL-1 and miRNA-let-7f-1-3p
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Improved gene expression may restore circadian rhythm status and sleep quality
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Result: Potential reduction in obesity and metabolic disturbances

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.