Metabolic SyndromeNCT07181655
The Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting, Caloric Restriction and Physical Activity On Metabolic Syndrome
A study testing Modified Intermittent Fasting in people with Metabolic Syndrome, run by Universiti Putra Malaysia at 1 site in Malaysia.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Metabolic Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Modified Intermittent Fasting
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 140 participants
- Where
- 1 siteMalaysia
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2025to 30 Dec 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- The inclusion criteria will be adult aged 18 years and above who have three or more of the following five risk factors (Kunduraci \& Ozbek, 2020):
- Abdominal obesity.
- Elevated triglycerides.
- Low HDL cholesterol.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Elevated fasting blood glucose.
Who cannot join
- Being pregnant, lactating women.
- Diagnosis of cardiac failure or/and severe renal or liver diseases, cancer.
- Having had bariatric surgery.
- Physical or mental disability.
- Neurological or cognitive impairment.
- Participant with severely impaired vision, hearing, or speech.
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- Following a special diet or having changed their dietary pattern within the previous 12 weeks of the study's start date.
- Use of insulin or sulphonamide derivative oral antidiabetic drugs.
- Conditions that will seriously affect weight management such as having had bariatric surgery.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Malaysia1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Associate Professor Dr. Hazizi Abu Saad
Serdang, Selangor, 43300
Hazizi Abu Saad, PhD, +603-97692434, hazizi@upm.edu.my
Lamia Salem Almazid, Master, +966555414884, drlamiasalem2024@gmail.com
About this study
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
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.
Read the detailed description
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions involving intermittent fasting, physical activity, and caloric restriction on metabolic syndrome biomarkers, body composition and lifestyle characteristics among patients with metabolic syndrome in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted at two hospitals, with 140 participants randomly assigned to two groups: Intervention Group the participants will be engaged in Intervention program of modified IF (Intermittent fasting, caloric restriction and physical activity) and Control Group: the participants will be engaged standard intervention provided by hospital. The primary outcomes will include changes in glycemic control (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c), cardiovascular risk markers (blood pressure, lipid profile), anthropometric measures (weight, BMI, waist circumference), physical activity levels, sleep quality, and dietary intake, assessed before and after the intervention to determine the comparative effectiveness of each approach on MetS biomarkers.
- Conditions
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Being tested
- Modified Intermittent Fasting
- Keywords
- metabolic syndrome, MetS
- Medical subject headings
- Metabolic Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Modified Intermittent FastingOther
Also called Intervention Group
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Intermittent Fasting | Other | Intervention program of modified Intermittent fasting (Intermittent fasting, caloric restriction and physical activity) Receives: Other: Modified Intermittent Fasting |
| Control group: No Intervention | No intervention | A control group receiving standard care provided by hospital |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Blood Glucose Levels
Fasting plasma glucose and Random blood glucose will be measured using a spectrophotometer. The normal range of the Fasting plasma glucose is (5.6 - 6.9 mmol/l) and for Random blood glucose is (7.8-11.0 mmol/l).
Measured: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Change in cholesterol Levels
Total cholesterol includes both High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) will be measured using a spectrophotometer. The normal range of the total cholesterol is (≤ 5.2 mmol/l). While the normal range of LDL-cholesterol is (# 2.6 mmol/l) and HDL-cholesterol is (# 1.3 mmol/l)
Measured: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Change in Blood Pressure
Blood pressure will be measured using sphygmomanometer. Normal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 120/80 mmHg.
Measured: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Change the Body mass index (BMI)
The Body mass index (BMI) will be report in kg/m^2 by using the following formula (BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a
Measured: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Change in physical activity
Physical activity will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), where time spent on various activity types was summed to determine weekly totals, and frequency, duration, and intensity were converted into metabolic equivalent (MET) values using standard tables
Measured: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Change in dietary intakes
The dietary recall method will be implemented twice a week (Fridays and Mondays) to evaluate participants' food intake. The use of the FFQ of MetS (Phase 2) is essential as an effective intervention tool to support the health plan.two non-consecutive days (one usual day and one weekend day).
Measured: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in sleep quality
Participants' sleep quality will be evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The PSQI is the predominant method for measuring daytime sleepiness. Responses will be scored from 0 to 3, with the higher scores indicating acute sleep disturbances. asked to rate their chances of dozing during certain daily activities using ratings range from 0 (never doze) to 3 (high chance of dozing). Scores range from 0 to 24. An ESS score greater than 10 indicates excessive daytime sleepiness.
Measured: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Sep 2025
- Study start1 Apr 2025
- Primary completion1 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Metabolic SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 140 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, LAMIA SALEM A ALMAZID, Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Investigators
- Hazizi Abu Saad, PhD, Study director, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07181655
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UPM-PhD LALMAZID
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 11 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- 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
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07181655
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UPM-PhD LALMAZID
- Conditions
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Keywords
- metabolic syndrome, MetS
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 140 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Universiti Putra MalaysiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions involving intermittent fasting, physical activity, and caloric restriction on metabolic syndrome biomarkers, body composition and lifestyle characteristics among patients with metabolic syndrome in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted at two hospitals, with 140 participants randomly assigned to two groups: Intervention Group the participants will be engaged in Intervention program of modified IF (Intermittent fasting, caloric restriction and physical activity) and Control Group: the participants will be engaged standard intervention provided by hospital. The primary outcomes will include changes in glycemic control (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c), cardiovascular risk markers (blood pressure, lipid profile), anthropometric measures (weight, BMI, waist circumference), physical activity levels, sleep quality, and dietary intake, assessed before and after the intervention to determine the comparative effectiveness of each approach on MetS biomarkers.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Intermittent Fasting | Other | Other: Modified Intermittent FastingIntervention program of modified Intermittent fasting (Intermittent fasting, caloric restriction and physical activity) |
| Control group: No Intervention | No intervention | –A control group receiving standard care provided by hospital |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- The inclusion criteria will be adult aged 18 years and above who have three or more of the following five risk factors (Kunduraci \& Ozbek, 2020):
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Being pregnant, lactating women.
- Diagnosis of cardiac failure or/and severe renal or liver diseases, cancer.
- Having had bariatric surgery.
- Physical or mental disability.
- Neurological or cognitive impairment.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Intermittent FastingAlso: Intervention GroupParticipants 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. | Other | Modified Intermittent Fasting |
Primary outcome
Change in Blood Glucose Levels
Time frame: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Fasting plasma glucose and Random blood glucose will be measured using a spectrophotometer. The normal range of the Fasting plasma glucose is (5.6 - 6.9 mmol/l) and for Random blood glucose is (7.8-11.0 mmol/l).
Change in cholesterol Levels
Time frame: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Total cholesterol includes both High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) will be measured using a spectrophotometer. The normal range of the total cholesterol is (≤ 5.2 mmol/l). While the normal range of LDL-cholesterol is (# 2.6 mmol/l) and HDL-cholesterol is (# 1.3 mmol/l)
Change in Blood Pressure
Time frame: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Blood pressure will be measured using sphygmomanometer. Normal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 120/80 mmHg.
Change the Body mass index (BMI)
Time frame: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
The Body mass index (BMI) will be report in kg/m^2 by using the following formula (BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a
Change in physical activity
Time frame: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Physical activity will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), where time spent on various activity types was summed to determine weekly totals, and frequency, duration, and intensity were converted into metabolic equivalent (MET) values using standard tables
Change in dietary intakes
Time frame: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
The dietary recall method will be implemented twice a week (Fridays and Mondays) to evaluate participants' food intake. The use of the FFQ of MetS (Phase 2) is essential as an effective intervention tool to support the health plan.two non-consecutive days (one usual day and one weekend day).
1 secondary outcome
Change in sleep quality
Time frame: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Hazizi Abu Saad, PhD study director
Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Modified Intermittent Fasting in people with Metabolic Syndrome, run by Universiti Putra Malaysia at 1 site in Malaysia.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Malaysia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Lamia Salem Almazid, Master (+601161519002, drlamiasalem2024@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Blood Glucose Levels (time frame: Time Frame: Timepoint 1 = Baseline. Repeated measurement: Timepoint 2 = week 4 (4-week post 1 intervention). Timepoint 3 = week 8 (4-week post 2 intervention).Timepoint 4 = week 12 (12-week post 3 intervention). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Sep 2025.