Obesity / overweightFatty liver disease (NASH/MASH)

Time-restricted Eating and Healthy Eating in Patients With Metabolic Liver Disease or Cancer

Recruiting · La Jolla, California

Always free

Study care at no cost to you

For your time and travel

Many studies pay you back

Most need no insurance or papers

Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements

Interpreters available

Ask for your language

Your choice

Voluntary — you can stop anytime

What is this study?

It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.

Read the full clinical description

This is a feasibility study that will collect data to assess the potential effect of nutritional intervention. This prospective single-site trial will enroll adult patients with liver diseases such as metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic-dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH), cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Eligible individuals who are randomized to the intervention group will be enrolled in a six-month nutritional change program consisting of time-restricted eating plus targeted healthy changes in what they eat (TR-HE). The intervention includes dietary counseling visits with a study registered dietitian (RD) and motivational phone calls with a study Certified Health and Wellness Coach (HC). Individuals who are randomized to the control group or who elect to join the control group will be enrolled in a six-month period of observation and phlebotomy only. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is a prolonged nightly fast coupled with a healthy diet safe and feasible for patients with liver disease or cancer? Does the intervention improve liver metabolism?

Who this study is looking for

In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.

✅ You may be able to join if…

•Adults over 18 who are overweight or obese (BMI 27–45).
•People diagnosed with MASLD/NAFLD, MASH, cirrhosis, or early-to-intermediate stage liver cancer (HCC).
•People who usually fast at night for less than 12 hours.
•People who speak English or Spanish.
•People who can follow study plans and are expected to live more than 12 months.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

•People with advanced liver cancer, cancer progression, or related complications.
•People with metastatic cancer, tumor in a vein, or ascites (fluid in the belly).
•People with advanced cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B or C, with low albumin).
•People with severe or hard-to-control hepatic encephalopathy (grade 3–4).
•People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who test positive on a urine pregnancy test (hCG).

Are you a good fit?

Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.

✓Adults roughly 18–any age
✓Have Obesity / overweight or Fatty liver disease (NASH/MASH)

!Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease, Kidney disease
!Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
!May require a break from current GLP-1 medications

What to expect, step by step

1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.

Has this treatment been tested before?

The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.

What you need to know before you apply

What is this study testing?+

Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+

This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.

Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+

Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.

I take a GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic or Wegovy). Can I still join?+

Maybe. This study may ask you to pause certain weight or diabetes medications for a period of time (a 'washout') before joining, or it may be looking for people not currently on them. The coordinator will review your medications with you — don't stop any medication on your own.

Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+

Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.

Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+

No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.

What if English isn't my first language?+

You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.

Is my information private?+

Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.

Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06824974 · Locations: California