8-Hour Eating Window Reduced Crohn’s Disease Activity by 40 Percent in Trial - Video

A randomized controlled trial funded by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation found that time-restricted feeding significantly reduced disease activity and systemic inflammation in adults with Crohn’s disease who also had overweight or obesity.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Calgary and published in Gastroenterology, is the first to demonstrate that limiting meals to an eight-hour daily window can meaningfully improve Crohn’s outcomes within 12 weeks.

The trial included 35 adults. Twenty participants followed time-restricted feeding (TRF), consuming all meals within an eight-hour window and fasting for the remaining 16 hours each day. Fifteen participants continued their usual eating patterns. Importantly, neither group was instructed to reduce calories, and both consumed similar types and amounts of food.

Results showed that the TRF group experienced a 40% reduction in Crohn’s disease activity and a 50% decrease in abdominal discomfort. Participants also lost an average of 5.5 pounds, while the control group gained approximately 3.7 pounds.

Blood tests revealed significant reductions in inflammatory markers, including leptin and PAI-1, along with improvements in metabolic and immune indicators. Researchers also observed decreased visceral fat, which is closely linked to inflammation.

Because calorie intake and diet quality were comparable between groups, the findings suggest that meal timing itself may influence inflammation and symptom control. Time-restricted feeding is believed to improve metabolic regulation, reduce systemic inflammation, support immune balance, and promote beneficial shifts in gut microbiota.

According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the study highlights the importance of when people eat, not just what they eat, in managing inflammatory bowel disease. However, larger studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness. Individuals with Crohn’s disease should consult their healthcare provider before adopting intermittent fasting.

REFERENCE: Natasha Haskey, Jiayu Ye, Ayva Lewis, Munazza Yousuf, Raylene A. Reimer, Maitreyi Raman. Time-Restricted Feeding Reduces Body Mass Index, Visceral Adiposity, Systemic Inflammation, and Clinical Disease Activity in Adults With Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study. Gastroenterology, 2026; DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2025.11.008