A new study links later eating to higher BMI and slower weight loss, but only for individuals with a high genetic predisposition to obesity.
For adults with a high genetic risk for obesity, eating meals later in the day is linked to a higher BMI and slower weight loss, a new study from Spanish researchers has found. Published in the journal Obesity, the research suggests that when you eat can be as important as what you eat, especially for those with a genetic susceptibility to weight gain.
The study analyzed 1,195 adults with overweight or obesity who were part of a standardized weight-loss program but whose meal timing was unrestricted. Researchers found that each one-hour delay in the midpoint of a person's daily meals was associated with a higher baseline BMI and a slower rate of weight loss.
However, the most significant finding emerged when researchers factored in genetics. The association between late eating and poorer weight outcomes was only observed in participants with a high polygenic risk score for obesity. In this group, each one-hour delay was linked to a substantial 2.2-unit increase in BMI. In contrast, no significant effect from meal timing was seen in those with lower genetic susceptibility.
Meal timing, a field known as chrononutrition, is increasingly recognized as a key factor in weight management, but individual responses can vary widely. This study, led by researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Murcia, sought to understand if a person's genetic makeup could explain some of that variation. By analyzing both eating patterns and genetic risk, the study adds a critical layer to the "when to eat" debate.
Experts writing in an accompanying commentary noted the study's importance for personalized medicine. “This study adds to the evidence that early meal timing may attenuate the impact of genetic obesity susceptibility," they wrote. "These results advocate for the inclusion of chronobiological principles in personalized obesity prevention and treatment strategies.” While the study's observational nature means it cannot establish a direct causal link, its findings strongly suggest that for some individuals, shifting meals earlier could be a powerful tool in managing weight.
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your health routine. Content is based on publicly available sources and edited
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