A groundbreaking randomized controlled trial, supported by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, has revealed that time-restricted feeding—a form of intermittent fasting—markedly decreases disease activity and overall inflammation in adults with Crohn’s disease who are overweight or obese. Conducted by experts at the University of Calgary, this pioneering research marks the first evidence showing that confining all daily meals to an 8-hour window can slash Crohn’s disease activity by 40% and halve abdominal pain by 50% over just 12 weeks, when compared to standard eating habits.
Those adhering to the time-restricted feeding regimen shed an average of approximately 5.5 pounds throughout the study period, whereas participants in the control group actually gained around 3.7 pounds. Comprehensive blood analyses further demonstrated substantial enhancements in key indicators of inflammation and immune response, such as lowered concentrations of leptin and PAI-1. Notably, these positive shifts happened without any guidance on reducing calorie consumption, highlighting the power of meal timing alone.
The study’s results appeared in the esteemed journal Gastroenterology. Individuals dealing with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should always discuss potential changes to their eating patterns with their healthcare professionals to assess if intermittent fasting suits their specific health needs.
How Time-Restricted Feeding Operates
Time-restricted feeding (TRF) involves eating all meals within a specific 8-hour timeframe daily, followed by a 16-hour fasting period. This 12-week clinical trial enrolled 35 adults diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and carrying excess weight or obesity. Of these, 20 were randomly selected to implement TRF, while the remaining 15 maintained their usual dietary routines. The research team meticulously measured disease activity levels, inflammatory markers, and body composition metrics at the trial’s outset and conclusion to gauge progress comprehensively.
“Our findings indicate that although shedding pounds is a valuable goal for those with Crohn’s disease and overweight conditions, time-restricted feeding delivers even greater advantages that extend far beyond mere weight reduction,” explained Maitreyi Raman, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Calgary and the principal author of the study. “We observed substantial relief in disease-related symptoms, diminished abdominal discomfort, positive alterations in metabolic processes and inflammation levels, and encouraging modifications in the gut microbiome—all of which point to intermittent fasting’s potential in fostering sustained remission for Crohn’s patients.”
Backing from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
This innovative investigation was made possible through funding from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Litwin IBD Pioneers initiative. “Time-restricted feeding emerges as a genuinely promising strategy for aiding Crohn’s disease patients in controlling both their symptoms and broader wellness,” noted Andres Lorenzo Hurtado, PhD, Senior Vice President of Translational Research & IBD Ventures at the foundation. “The evidence here underscores that altering when we eat—rather than solely focusing on what we eat—can optimize metabolic functions, bolster immune system performance, and promote enduring remission in Crohn’s disease. We’re thrilled to champion research like this, which prioritizes patient-centered innovations and spurs further exploration to extend these advantages to all IBD sufferers.”
“Patients with Crohn’s disease frequently seek actionable, everyday strategies to complement their medical treatments and enhance their health,” added Natasha Haskey, PhD, RD, Research Associate at the University of British Columbia and the study’s lead investigator. “This work posits that time-restricted eating could serve as a biologically sound, maintainable approach, empowering individuals with additional avenues to proactively oversee their well-being.”
Decreased Visceral Fat and Intestinal Inflammation
In addition to alleviating symptoms, the intermittent fasting participants showed a notable decline in dangerous visceral fat deposits and critical inflammatory markers circulating in their blood. Since both the intervention and control groups ingested similar types and quantities of food, these benefits cannot be attributed to superior nutrition or calorie restriction. Rather, the data strongly suggest that the timing of meals exerts a profound influence on gastrointestinal function and immune system regulation.
While these outcomes are highly promising and warrant optimism, the scientists emphasize the need for more extensive trials involving larger cohorts. Such studies are essential to confirm the long-term safety profile and efficacy of time-restricted feeding across diverse populations affected by IBD, ensuring it can be reliably recommended on a wider scale.
