What question did this study set out to answer?

Evaluate the relationship between eating patterns and mental health outcomes, focusing on intermittent fasting and its variations.

May 15, 2026Open Access

Timing matters? Assessing the relationship between a regular eating pattern compared to intermittent fasting (early versus late) and mental health outcomes: A cross-sectional study

Key Points

Evaluate the relationship between eating patterns and mental health outcomes, focusing on intermittent fasting and its variations.
Cross-sectional study conducted using a 41-question online survey distributed globally.
Included 302 healthy participants aged 18-65, assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Data analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics with a two-way ANOVA to evaluate the effects of sex and eating patterns.
Participants practicing intermittent fasting showed reduced anxiety and depression compared to the regular eating pattern group (p=0.022).
Variations in fasting timing also influenced mood-related symptoms, indicating the importance of when food is consumed.
Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between intermittent fasting and mood-related symptoms.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Depressive and anxiety disorders are prevalent, impactful conditions that are rising globally. Antidepressants showed limited efficacy and side effects, highlighting the need for alternatives. Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a potential nutritional strategy to improve mood-related symptoms (MRSs). AIM: To evaluate differences in anxiety and depression between adults practising IF and those following a regular eating pattern (REP), exploring variations within IF groups, comparing early IF (EIF; morning/afternoon feeding), late IF (LIF; afternoon/evening feeding) and REP groups, and between sexes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study (May 2024-May 2025) employed an anonymous 41-question online survey distributed globally, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire to assess anxiety and depression. Data from 302 healthy participants aged 18-65 (88 male, 214 female) were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics. A two-way ANOVA examined the effects of sex and eating patterns on anxiety and depression. RESULTS: = 0.022) than the REP group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest an association between IF and reduced anxiety and depression. Further research is needed to elucidate the IF-MRSs relationship, explore sex-specific approaches and optimal dietary strategies to improve MRSs.

Read Full Paperexternally

KI fragen

Bookmark

View Full Paper