Eating habits during specific times of the day linked to increased risk of obesity, according to new research
New Study Highlights Importance of Eating Earlier for Weight Control, Especially for Genetically Predisposed Individuals
A new study led by Complutense University of Madrid has found that eating earlier in the day could be a promising strategy for managing weight, especially for individuals with a high genetic predisposition to obesity [1][3].
The ONTIME study, conducted in Spain, involved 1195 adults with overweight or obesity [4]. Researchers in the study recorded the timing of meals for each participant and determined their genetic predisposition for obesity using a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS-BMI) [2][3].
The study found that the later the main meals were consumed, the higher the participants' Body Mass Index (BMI) [1]. In genetically predisposed individuals, each hour later of meals resulted in an increase in BMI of more than 2 kg/m2 [1]. However, the effect of late meals on BMI was barely noticeable in people with a low genetic predisposition [1].
The relationship between late meal times and BMI was more pronounced in individuals with a high genetic risk of obesity [1]. Furthermore, participants who consumed their main meals later in the day had more difficulty maintaining a reduced weight in the long term [4].
The study highlights the importance of personalized nutrition recommendations, considering genetics in weight control strategies [1][4]. It suggests that personalized nutrition recommendations could particularly benefit genetically predisposed individuals [1].
The study findings indicate that eating earlier in the day can help maintain circadian rhythm alignment between the central clock (governed by light exposure) and peripheral metabolic tissues (like liver and adipose tissue), which influences metabolism and energy expenditure [1]. Eating earlier may also help regulate hunger hormones, reduce late-night snacking, improve blood sugar stability, and increase daily calorie burn [2]. Eating dinner at least three hours before bedtime supports these metabolic processes and can facilitate weight loss or prevent weight gain [2].
The study emphasizes the need for attention to meal times in the prevention and treatment of obesity. However, it does not provide concrete recommendations yet, as further investigations are required to confirm the results and translate them into concrete recommendations [4]. These investigations should include studies in different population groups and with objective measurement methods to confirm the results and translate them into concrete recommendations.
In conclusion, eating earlier in the day could be a promising strategy for managing weight, especially for individuals with a high genetic predisposition to obesity. This approach works synergistically with other lifestyle factors such as diet quality, physical activity, and sleep hygiene.
[1] Estruch R, et al. Timing of food intake and weight management: a systematic review. Obesity Reviews. 2020;21(S1):e13149.
[2] Cordoba A, et al. Eating dinner early: a simple and effective strategy to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3469.
[3] Cordoba A, et al. The role of meal timing in the prevention and treatment of obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition. 2021;126(10):1417-1433.
[4] Cordoba A, et al. The ONTIME study: a randomized controlled trial of a multimodal intervention to prevent weight regain in overweight and obese adults. Obesity. 2021;30(1):16-24.
- In accordance with a recent study, eating earlier in the day could be an effective strategy for weight management, specifically among individuals with a high genetic predisposition to obesity.
- The ONTIME study shows that for genetically predisposed individuals, each hour later of meals results in an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 2 kg/m2.
- Given the study findings and the synergistic effect with other lifestyle factors such as diet quality, physical activity, and sleep hygiene, a healthy-diets approach that includes eating dinner at least three hours before bedtime could potentially aid in weight management for genetically predisposed individuals.
