Effects of Intermittent Fasting and Exercise on Inflammation, Metabolism, and the Microbiome in Metabolic Syndrome

Effects of Intermittent Fasting and Its Combination with High-Intensity Interval Training on Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers, As Well As the Microbiome in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

The goal of this intervention trial is to assess the effects of intermittent fasting, both alone and in combination with high-intensity interval training, on patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. The main question it aims to answer is:

Does intermittent fasting, with or without high-intensity interval training, reduce chronic inflammation in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome?

Participants will follow an intermittent fasting regime for 3 months, with one intervention group additionally participating in high-intensity interval training twice a week. In addition, there are two control groups: one consisting of participants with metabolic syndrome and one consisting of generally healthy individuals. The study includes a 3-month intervention phase followed by a 3-month follow-up phase. During the 6-month study period, all participants will attend 6 in-house study visits and 2 phone visits, during which they will undergo assessments and receive nutritional counseling.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written consent to participate in the study.
• Persons aged 18 years and older.
• Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) with elevated hsCRP.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or nursing individuals.
• Cardiovascular diseases or orthopedic restrictions that prevent exercise.
• Use of medication or supplements that significantly affect study outcomes (e.g., anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics within the last 6 weeks).
• Body weight greater than 200 kg (maximum capacity of training equipment).
• Individuals with mental illnesses that may impair their ability to understand or participate in the study.