Project summary

This project will develop the Fasting-Derived Longevity Model (FDLM), a conceptual framework I proposed to distinguish the health effects of daily fasting from those of moderate calorie restriction, and also my proposed Endocrine Regulation Model (ERM). These models synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on insulin sensitivity, insulin–IGF-1 signaling, circadian biology, nutrient-sensing pathways, and autophagy to discuss how fasting can influence metabolic health and longevity beyond weight loss. The project will develop a research roadmap for future clinical studies.The goal is to understand the fasting duration required to activate longevity pathways and improve insulin sensitivity for sustainable weight loss

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

The primary goal of this project is to better understand the mechanisms through which daily fasting, also known as Time-Restricted Eating (TRE), affects longevity pathways. More specifically, I want to examine how long the daily fasting intervals is needed to activates mechanisms such as insulin and IGF-1 signaling, AMPK-mTOR signaling, autophagy, independent of weight loss and calorie reduction.

This work builds on two conceptual models I have been proposing: the Fasting-Derived Longevity Model (FDLM) and the Endocrine Regulation Model (ERM). FDLM focuses on the mechanism by which fasting itself extends longevity, while ERM focuses more broadly on how endocrine regulation may explain weight-loss sustainability through intermittent fasting.

I will achieve these aims by synthesizing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies to develop specific hypotheses that can be tested in future human research.

How will this funding be used?

The funding will cover three months of living expenses which allows me to developing research grant proposals related to the proposed models, the FDLM and ERM, during a temporary gap between research positions.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

I am leading the project independently. I have a PhD Nutrition Scientist and my research centers on intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, metabolic health, and longevity in humans.

I have authored 13 peer-reviewed papers, with more than 320 citations. My work includes human trials on time-restricted eating and its impact on metabolic outcomes.

In 2025, I received a $10,000 pilot research award as Principal Investigator to study immediate effects of mid-day time-restricted eating on CGM-derived glycemic variations in adults with overweight and obesity. The work was supported by The Southern California Center for Chronic Disease Research and Prevention (Funded by The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, P50MD017344). Moreover, findings were selected for an oral presentation at the American Society for Nutrition’s NUTRITION 2026 meeting.

I have also developed the Fasting-Derived Longevity Model (FDLM) and Endocrine Regulation Model (ERM), which are currently under consideration in high-impact journals.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

The most likely reason the project could fail is when the available evidence does not support the proposed mechanisms in the FDLM or ERM, .

Additionally, the limited availability of human evidence to determine the fasting duration needed to activate pathways related to longevity is another possibility.

However, the project would still identify the main gaps in the current evidence and produce more specific hypotheses to guide future human trials.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

I have raised $10,000 through a pilot research award from the USC/Children’s Hospital Los Angeles research program for examining CGM-derived glycemic responses to mid-day time-restricted eating.