NCT07487090 · Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Fasted vs. Fed State Exercise
What this study is about
Although many medications exist for both heart disease and obesity, cost, lack of access for all people, side effects and the desire for a more natural solution have left many people seeking lifestyle treatments such as exercise. Scientists know that exercise is highly beneficial for heart health. When exercise also produces weight loss, these benefits are much improved.
View original scientific description
Although many medications exist for both heart disease and obesity, cost, lack of access for all people, side effects and the desire for a more natural solution have left many people seeking lifestyle treatments such as exercise. Scientists know that exercise is highly beneficial for heart health. When exercise also produces weight loss, these benefits are much improved. Although using exercise to treat or prevent heart disease / obesity is recommended, not all people respond well. Some see significant weight loss and health improvements while others see little changes. For these reasons, new strategies surrounding the use and design of an exercise program are needed. One such strategy could be performing aerobic exercise before breakfast (fasted exercise). When exercising fasted, food/energy stores are low, and one relies on stored body fat for energy. This may help heart health and weight loss. This has never been tested in a program long enough to see such changes. This study will, for the first time, assess the effects of a 16-week aerobic exercise program performed fasted compared to after eating. Outcomes will include blood fats, blood pressure, fat-burning abilities and weight loss. Starting an exercise program can also make people to eat more. This limits the success of exercise. The study will also evaluate ways fasted exercise could change eating, as it possible that fasted exercise could also cause people to eat more, which would limit weight loss and health improvements.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
16 week exercise intervention
Both groups will receive a 16-week supervised aerobic exercise program progressing to 1,600 kcal of EE per wk (4 sessions/week) at moderate intensity (40-50% heart rate reserve, HRR).
Primary outcome measures
body composition
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 25)
kg of fat free and fat mass via DXA
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Healthy enough to exercise
Exclusion criteria
- Taking medications or supplements that are known to influence energy expenditure,
- Currently exercising more than once per week
- Currently dieting for weight loss
- Currently taking weight loss drugs
- Have had a previous weight loss surgery
- Currently diagnosed with Diabetes
- Currently diagnosed with heart disease (Heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia, Coronary heart disease)
Where
- Fort Smith, Arkansas
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations