Researchers surveyed 116 people with or at risk for Huntington’s disease to understand their eating habits. They found that many people in this community practice fasting (skipping meals for periods of time) and follow specific diet patterns like Mediterranean or low-carb diets. About 42% of people surveyed said they fast regularly, with most doing a popular type called 16:8 fasting where you eat during an 8-hour window and fast for 16 hours. While these eating patterns are common in the Huntington’s community, scientists say more research is needed to understand if these approaches are safe and helpful for people with this condition.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How often people with Huntington’s disease practice fasting and what types of diets they follow
  • Who participated: 116 people from the Huntington’s disease community who completed an online survey over one year
  • Key finding: About 4 out of every 10 people surveyed practice some form of fasting, with the most popular being 16:8 fasting (eating only during an 8-hour window each day). Many also follow Mediterranean, low-carb, or vegetarian diets.
  • What it means for you: If you have Huntington’s disease or are at risk for it, know that many others in your community are exploring fasting and structured diets. However, talk to your doctor before starting any fasting or diet plan, as we don’t yet know if these approaches are safe or beneficial for Huntington’s disease specifically.

The Research Details

This study used a survey method, which means researchers created a questionnaire and asked people in the Huntington’s disease community to answer questions about their eating habits online. They collected responses over one year from people who volunteered to participate. This type of study is called “cross-sectional” because it takes a snapshot of people’s behaviors at one point in time, rather than following them over months or years. The researchers then counted how many people reported different eating patterns and analyzed the results using statistics.

Survey studies like this one are useful for understanding what people are actually doing in real life. They help researchers identify which eating habits are common in a specific group of people. This information can then guide future research to test whether these eating patterns are actually safe and helpful for people with Huntington’s disease.

This study has some strengths: it reached 116 people from the Huntington’s community and collected detailed information about their eating habits. However, because it’s a survey, people self-reported their behaviors, which means they might not remember details perfectly or might answer differently than they actually behave. The study also doesn’t prove that fasting causes any changes in Huntington’s disease—it only shows what people are doing. More rigorous studies would be needed to determine if these eating patterns actually help or harm people with this condition.

What the Results Show

Among the 116 people surveyed, 42% (roughly 4 out of 10) reported that they practice some form of fasting. Of those who fast, 36% have been doing it for more than a year, suggesting it’s not just a short-term experiment for many people. The most common fasting approach was 16:8 fasting, where people eat during an 8-hour window and fast for 16 hours each day. About 40% of people who fast said they do it mainly for weight loss. Beyond fasting, the survey also found that people in the Huntington’s community commonly follow structured diet patterns, with Mediterranean diets, low-carbohydrate diets, and vegetarian diets being the most popular choices.

The research suggests that dietary interventions—meaning specific eating plans and approaches—appear to be something people in the Huntington’s community are interested in and willing to try. The variety of diet types people are adopting (Mediterranean, low-carb, vegetarian) shows that there isn’t one single approach everyone follows, but rather people are experimenting with different options.

This is one of the first studies to specifically look at fasting and eating patterns in people with Huntington’s disease. Previous research has suggested that lifestyle factors like diet might influence how neurodegenerative diseases progress, but very little was known about what eating habits people with Huntington’s actually practice. This study fills that gap by showing that fasting and structured diets are indeed common in this population.

The main limitation is that this study only shows what people are doing—it doesn’t prove that fasting or these diets actually help or hurt people with Huntington’s disease. The survey relied on people’s memories and honest reporting, which can be imperfect. We also don’t know if the 116 people surveyed are representative of all people with Huntington’s disease, since they volunteered to participate. Additionally, the study didn’t track whether people experienced any health benefits or problems from their eating habits.

The Bottom Line

If you have Huntington’s disease or are at risk for it, do not start fasting or change your diet without talking to your doctor first. While this research shows that fasting is popular in the Huntington’s community, we don’t yet have strong evidence that it’s safe or beneficial for this specific condition. Your healthcare team can help you decide if any dietary changes are appropriate for your situation. (Confidence level: Moderate—based on current lack of safety data)

This research is most relevant to people with Huntington’s disease, people at genetic risk for Huntington’s disease, and their healthcare providers. It’s also important for researchers studying Huntington’s disease and neurodegenerative conditions. People without Huntington’s disease should not assume these findings apply to them, as Huntington’s is a specific genetic condition with unique nutritional needs.

We don’t yet know how long it takes for dietary changes to have any effect in Huntington’s disease. The survey showed that some people have been fasting for over a year, but the study didn’t measure whether their health improved. Future research will need to track people over time to understand the real effects of these eating patterns.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If your doctor approves, track your daily eating window (when you start and stop eating), meals consumed, and any symptoms or energy levels. Record this daily in a simple log to identify patterns.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized eating schedule. If approved, you could use the app to set reminders for your eating window and log what you eat during that time, making it easier to stick to your plan.
  • Weekly check-ins to review your eating consistency, energy levels, and any changes in symptoms. Share this data with your doctor at regular appointments to determine if your dietary approach is working for you.

This research describes eating habits in people with Huntington’s disease but does not prove that fasting or specific diets are safe or effective for this condition. Huntington’s disease is a serious genetic neurological condition that requires specialized medical care. Do not start fasting, change your diet, or make any significant lifestyle changes without first consulting with your doctor or a registered dietitian who understands your specific health situation. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.