Limiting Daily Eating Window to Eight Hours May Improve Brain Health, Study Suggests

Islamabad: Restricting daily food intake to an eating window of eight to nine hours may help improve brain health, according to a new study presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s Nutrition 2026 annual meeting.

Researchers noted that the findings are preliminary and have not yet undergone peer review.

The study, conducted by researchers at Rutgers University, followed women aged 50 to 79 over a six-month period. All participants were instructed to reduce their daily calorie intake by approximately 500 calories.

Among the 47 overweight or obese women enrolled in the study, 26 consumed all of their meals within an average of 8.2 hours, while the remaining participants spread their food intake over an average of 12.3 hours each day.

By the end of the study, both groups had lost an average of about 15 pounds. However, researchers found that women who limited their eating window showed greater improvements in executive functions, including planning and problem-solving abilities.

The study found no significant differences between the two groups in reaction time, multitasking ability, memory, or learning-related tests.

Lead researcher Professor Sue Shapses of Rutgers University said the findings suggest that, in addition to weight loss, the timing of food intake may have a positive impact on brain function.

She added that stopping food consumption about four hours before bedtime and limiting daily eating to an eight- or nine-hour window could help reduce age-related cognitive decline.

Researchers believe the potential benefits may be linked to the body’s circadian rhythm, metabolism, inflammation, and nutrient-sensing pathways. However, they emphasized that further research is needed to confirm these findings and better understand their long-term effects.

Experts cautioned that the study is still in its early stages, involved a relatively small number of participants, and has not yet been peer-reviewed. They advised that more extensive research is necessary before drawing definitive conclusions.

Note: This report is intended for informational purposes only. Individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to their diet or eating habits.