Timing of Meals Linked to Lower BMI, Study Finds

A new study from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) suggests that mealtime habits, particularly extending overnight fasting and eating breakfast earlier, may play a key role in maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI). Published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, the study observed more than 7,000 participants over five years, providing fresh insights into how meal timing can impact weight management.

Longer Overnight Fasts and Early Breakfasts Show Promise

The research focused on two specific habits: prolonging the fasting period overnight and consuming breakfast earlier in the day. These patterns were associated with lower BMI, especially when paired with an early dinner. Luciana Pons-Muzzo, the study’s lead author, highlighted that eating in sync with the body’s circadian rhythms might enhance calorie burning and appetite regulation, potentially supporting weight maintenance. However, she cautioned that while the findings are promising, more robust evidence is needed before definitive recommendations can be made.

Gender Differences and Lifestyle Factors

The study also uncovered notable gender differences in eating patterns and lifestyle habits. Women generally had lower BMIs, adhered more closely to the Mediterranean diet, and consumed less alcohol compared to men. In contrast, a small group of men who engaged in intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast and delaying their first meal until after 2 p.m. showed no weight-related benefits. This group was also more likely to have unhealthier lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, but these patterns were not observed in women.

Why These Findings Matter

This research adds to the growing field of chrononutrition, which focuses on how the timing of meals impacts health. Previous studies from ISGlobal have linked early dinners and breakfasts to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While the current findings suggest that meal timing may play an important role in weight management, the study emphasizes that further research is needed to fully understand how eating patterns align with circadian rhythms and influence long-term health outcomes.