Young plus size woman having stomachache on the sofa at home.
Restricting eating to an eight-hour window can significantly reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a new Canadian pilot study. However, some experts caution that the study’s limitations may hinder its application to real-world scenarios.
Published in the Gastroenterology journal, the study indicates that time-restricted feeding (TRF), a form of intermittent fasting, reduced symptoms of Crohn’s disease by 40% and abdominal discomfort by 50% over a 12-week period in individuals with obesity or overweight. This research, conducted by the University of Calgary, tracked 35 adults with Crohn’s disease, assigning 20 to a TRF regimen and 15 to their usual diets.
The Science Behind Time-Restricted Feeding
Time-restricted feeding involves consuming all meals within an eight-hour window each day, followed by a 16-hour fasting period, without reducing overall caloric intake. Despite similar food consumption, TRF participants experienced a significant decrease in visceral fat and key inflammatory markers in the blood, including lower levels of leptin and PAI-1.
Participants in the TRF group lost approximately 2.5 kilograms, while those in the control group gained about 1.7 kilograms.
The researchers acknowledge the need for longer-term studies but highlight that the observed changes suggest TRF could be a feasible nutritional strategy for managing Crohn’s disease in individuals with overweight and obesity.
Expert Opinions and Concerns
Despite the promising results, Dr. Terri-Lynne South, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Obesity Management, expressed reservations about the study’s applicability. She pointed out the small sample size and short duration as significant limitations.
“It’s really important that these studies are done to provide different management options, but we need to apply it to real life,” Dr. South said. “If we consider that Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition, the intervention needs to be sustainable long-term.”
Dr. South frequently encounters patients capable of making short-term lifestyle changes, but sustaining these changes remains challenging. She emphasized the importance of assessing the impact of such interventions over at least one to two years.
Broader Implications and Future Research
Dr. South also questioned the control used in the study, suggesting that the observed benefits might stem more from natural calorie restriction rather than the fasting period itself. “In general, time-restricted eating is one option from an obesity management perspective, given the high levels of overweight or obesity in the Crohn’s cohort,” she noted.
“From a ‘does this make sense?’ point of view, yes, it does. But there are many limitations to this study before we can apply it more broadly,” Dr. South added.
Crohn’s and Colitis Australia reports that the incidence of IBD in the country is the highest in the western world, with cases expected to reach 200,000 within the next decade. Dr. South attributes this rise to potential environmental factors affecting gut health.
The findings of this study underscore the need for further research to explore the long-term viability of TRF as a treatment for Crohn’s disease. As the prevalence of IBD continues to grow, understanding the role of dietary interventions could prove crucial in managing this chronic condition.
