The DiALHealth Study Will Help Determine How Intermittent Fasting And Calorie Counting Can Improve A Persons “healthspan”

January is a time when many people are looking for new eating patterns and intermittent fasting is trending, as are traditional calorie reduction programs.

Studies in animal models show that intermittent fasting slows aging and these animals live longer. Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham are conducting the DiAL-Health study to find out whether an 8-hour fast and a 16-day fast have the same effects in humans. These researchers want to recruit healthy adults aged 25-49.

"Time-restricted diets have many of the same benefits as traditional weight-loss diets and are easier to follow," says Dr. Corby Martin, professor and director of the Pennington Biomedical Laboratory for Behavior, Weight Control and Health Promotion. "In the DiAL-Health study, we will gain important information to see if dietary restriction or intermittent fasting can slow aging and promote 'healthy longevity.'

In addition to Dr. Martin, head Dr. Leanne Redman, professor and director of the Biomedical Reproductive Endocrinology and Women's Health Laboratory at Pennington, and Dr. Research by Courtney Peterson of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Baton Rouge and Birmingham, Alabama.

"Traditional diets or calorie counting have been around for hundreds of years, but intermittent fasting has become a more popular alternative in recent years because it's easier to follow," says Dr. Redman said. "In addition to their impact on health and longevity, both methods promote weight loss and overall metabolic health, thereby helping to combat the nation's obesity epidemic."

This clinical trial began last year and will be conducted in Baton Rouge and Birmingham, Alabama, over the next three to five months. To take part in the study, participants must have a body mass index between 22-30. and not smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products currently or in the past 6 months.

The inclusion of healthy weight or moderately obese subjects is unique and provides a rare opportunity for healthy individuals to participate in biomedical research. Participants will be compensated up to $2,500 for completing six months of training.

Individuals interested in participating in the trial in Baton Rouge should call 225-763-3000, email clinicaltrials@pbrc.edu or visit www.pbrc.edu/DialHealth . Those interested in participating in the Birmingham process should register here.

"Obesity is one of the most common and deadly diseases in the entire country," said Dr. Pennington Biomedical Research Center Executive Director John Kirwan. "This study is an important contribution to our understanding of how intermittent fasting can help people lose or maintain weight."

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the sponsors.

About the topic:

DiAL Health Research (video)

About Pennington Biomedical Research Center

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical breakthroughs related to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has a vision to lead the world in advancing metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific discoveries that create solutions from the cell to society. The center conducts basic, clinical and population-based research and is affiliated with LSU.

Pennington Biomedical's research enterprise includes more than 480 employees in a network of 40 clinics and research laboratories and 13 separate primary care facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research students, laboratory assistants, nurses, nutritionists and other support staff. Pennington Biomedical is a state-of-the-art research facility on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge.

For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.

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