Researchers from the University of Calgary have examined time-restricted eating, with the results published in the journal Gastroenterology.
Time-restricted eating is a dietary approach in which all daily meals are consumed within a fixed time window, such as eight hours, followed by fasting during the remaining hours of the day.
The study included 35 adults with Crohn’s disease who were also overweight.
For 12 weeks, 20 participants were instructed to eat all their daily meals within an eight-hour window. The remaining 15 continued their usual eating habits.
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Participants were allowed to eat the same foods as before and were not required to count calories. The only difference was the timing of their meals.
Less inflammation
The group following fixed eating times lost an average of approximately 2.5 kilograms. Over the same period, the control group gained about 1.7 kilograms.
Blood tests also showed lower levels of leptin and PAI-1 in the time-restricted eating group.
Both substances are associated with adipose tissue and inflammation in the body.
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The researchers suggest that the changes may therefore not be solely due to weight loss, but possibly also to the fasting interval between meals.
Fewer symptoms
The most significant difference was observed in disease activity. According to the researchers, it decreased by 40 percent in the time-restricted eating group.
At the same time, abdominal pain was reduced by around half.
Lower levels of visceral fat were also measured. Visceral fat is a type of fat stored around the organs that can increase inflammation.
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The researchers emphasize that larger studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Sources: SciTechDaily, and Gastroenterology.
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