Project summary

The Fasting-Driven Longevity Model (FDLM) challenges the long-standing view that calorie restriction extends longevity. Instead, My model proposes that fasting-induced nutrient deprivation, rather than calorie reduction alone, is the key physiological signal. During prolonged fasting, lower availability of glucose and amino acids reduces insulin exposure and insulin/IGF-1 signaling, activates AMPK, suppresses mTOR, and triggers autophagy and other longevity pathways.

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

The primary goal of this project is to develop the research and grant proposals needed to examine the FDLM by comparing 16- and 18-hour eucaloric TRE, without calorie restriction, with calorie restriction alone. The proposed studies will test whether prolonged daily fasting produces distinct effects on insulin sensitivity and longevity pathways like autophagy as compared to calorie restriction, and will explore the optimal duration and timing of daily fasting for promoting health and longevity. The outstanding question in the field is how many hours of 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.