Major Trial Tests Whether Fasting and Exercise Can Slow Biological Aging
The FAXAge trial will test time-restricted feeding and exercise on DNA methylation age in 240 adults over 65 — with a 10-year follow-up.
Summary
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have launched FAXAge, a 52-week randomized controlled trial enrolling 240 healthy adults aged 65 and older to investigate whether exercise, time-restricted feeding, or their combination can slow biological aging. Participants are divided into four groups: cardio plus strength training, time-restricted feeding, both interventions combined, or a control group. The primary outcome is the DunedinPACE DNA methylation clock — one of the most validated biological age acceleration measures available. Secondary outcomes include RNA sequencing, metabolomics, inflammatory markers, microbiome profiling, and cognitive and physical performance tests. Participants are assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months, with long-term follow-ups at 2, 5, and 10 years, making this one of the most comprehensive aging intervention trials designed to date.
Detailed Summary
Slowing biological aging is among the most ambitious goals in modern medicine. While exercise and fasting have each shown promise for healthspan extension, surprisingly little rigorous human trial data exists on their combined impact on validated aging biomarkers. The FAXAge study aims to fill this gap with one of the most comprehensive aging intervention trials ever designed.
The trial, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07207044), will enroll 240 healthy adults aged 65 and older. Participants are randomized to four arms: combined cardiovascular and strength training (EXE), time-restricted feeding (TRF), a combination of both (EXE+TRF), or a control group receiving neither intervention. The 52-week active intervention period is followed by long-term follow-ups at 2, 5, and 10 years — a remarkable commitment to tracking whether benefits persist or compound over time.
The primary endpoint is the DunedinPACE DNA methylation clock, a highly regarded epigenetic measure of how fast an individual is aging biologically. Secondary outcomes are expansive: RNA sequencing, metabolomics, inflammatory markers, gut microbiome analysis, and standardized cognitive and physical performance assessments. This deep phenotyping approach will enable researchers to map the biological pathways through which any observed aging deceleration occurs.
The implications are significant. If TRF and exercise independently or synergistically slow DunedinPACE, this would provide strong human evidence supporting two of the most accessible and cost-free longevity interventions available. Clinicians could gain evidence-based guidance on prescribing lifestyle interventions specifically for biological age reduction in older adults.
Caveats are important to note. This is a protocol paper, meaning no results are yet available. Adherence to TRF and structured exercise in older adults over a full year may be challenging to maintain. Additionally, the summary is based on the published abstract only, and full protocol details are not yet accessible.
Key Findings
- 240 adults aged 65+ will be randomized to exercise, time-restricted feeding, both, or control for 52 weeks.
- Primary outcome is DunedinPACE — a validated DNA methylation clock measuring biological aging speed.
- Deep phenotyping includes RNA-seq, metabolomics, microbiome, inflammatory markers, and cognitive tests.
- Long-term follow-ups at 2, 5, and 10 years will track whether aging benefits persist over time.
- This is the first large RCT combining TRF and exercise specifically targeting aging biomarkers in older adults.
Methodology
Four-armed, 52-week randomized controlled trial enrolling 240 healthy adults aged 65 and above. Assessments occur at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months with extended follow-ups at 2, 5, and 10 years. Primary endpoint is DunedinPACE epigenetic clock; secondary endpoints include multi-omic, inflammatory, microbiome, and functional measures.
Study Limitations
This is a study protocol paper — no efficacy results are yet available, and findings should not be anticipated prematurely. Long-term adherence to both exercise and time-restricted feeding in adults over 65 may pose retention challenges. The summary is based on the abstract only, as the full protocol text was not accessible.
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