Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a dietary approach for weight management and overall health improvement. Among the various methods, the 16:8 method is particularly popular due to its simplicity and flexibility. This method involves fasting for 16 hours each day and eating within an 8-hour window. While many people adopt this regimen for its potential metabolic benefits, those with chronic conditions like ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may wonder how this eating pattern could affect their health. Understanding the relationship between the 16:8 method and ankylosing spondylitis requires a look into both the nature of this fasting approach and the characteristics of the disease.

The 16:8 method is a form of time-restricted eating, a type of intermittent fasting where individuals consume all their daily calories within a specific timeframe. Typically, this involves skipping breakfast and having meals between noon and 8 p.m., although the exact timing can vary based on personal preference and lifestyle. The primary appeal of the 16:8 method is its straightforwardness; it does not require calorie counting or food restrictions, focusing instead on when you eat rather than...