Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
The Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting, Caloric Restriction and Physical Activity On Metabolic Syndrome
Sponsor: Universiti Putra Malaysia
Summary
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global health issue defined by a cluster of risk factors-abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol-that together significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and overall mortality. Globally, about 20-25% of adults are affected, but prevalence varies by region and population; in Saudi Arabia, studies report rates ranging from 28.3% to 56.4%, with higher rates observed in northern and central regions and among men. Major contributors to MetS in Saudi Arabia include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and poor dietary habits, such as low fruit consumption. Effective management strategies focus on weight loss through caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and increased physical activity, all of which have demonstrated improvements in metabolic markers like insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. Despite international evidence supporting these interventions, no randomized controlled trials have yet evaluated the combined effects of these approaches on MetS biomarkers in Saudi adults, underscoring the need for targeted research and public health initiatives to address the high and regionally variable burden of MetS in the country.
Official title: The Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting, Caloric Restriction and Physical Activity Intervention On Metabolic Syndrome Biomarkers Among Adults With Metabolic Syndrome at Hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
140
Start Date
2025-04-01
Completion Date
2027-12-30
Last Updated
2025-09-24
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Modified Intermittent Fasting
Participants in Intervention group will follow a structured intermittent fasting protocol, specifically the 16:8 method, where they fast for 16 consecutive hours each day and restrict their eating to an 8-hour window. The fasting period can be personalized to suit individual schedules. During these fasting hours, participants must abstain from all foods and caloric drinks, but are encouraged to stay hydrated with non-caloric beverages and they will follow a structured, calorie-restricted diet, tailored to them, using a developed Food Frequency Questionnaire tool to select their daily calorie intake across sections to identify appropriate foods and beverages for patients with metabolic conditions. They will be prescribed to engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activities, such as brisk walking will be measured and evaluated using the mobile application of physical activity recommended by the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia.
Locations (1)
Associate Professor Dr. Hazizi Abu Saad
Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia