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. 2024 May 23;16(11):1581.
doi: 10.3390/nu16111581.

Unfavorable Mealtime, Meal Skipping, and Shiftwork Are Associated with Circadian Syndrome in Adults Participating in NHANES 2005-2016

Zoha Akbar  1 , Zumin Shi  1
Affiliations

Unfavorable Mealtime, Meal Skipping, and Shiftwork Are Associated with Circadian Syndrome in Adults Participating in NHANES 2005-2016

Zoha Akbar et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

The concept of Circadian Syndrome (CircS) aims to emphasize the circadian disruptions underlying cardiometabolic conditions. Meal timing and shiftwork may disrupt circadian rhythms, increasing cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed to assess the associations of meal timing, meal skipping, and shiftwork with CircS in US adults and explore effect modifications by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. CircS was defined using Metabolic Syndrome components in addition to short sleep and depression symptoms. Data from 10,486 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016 were analyzed cross-sectionally. Mealtime was assessed by calculating the midpoint of intake between breakfast and dinner and dichotomizing it into favorable mealtime (between 12:30 and 13:15) and unfavorable mealtime using a data-driven approach. Meal skippers were categorized separately. Participants working evening, night, or rotating shifts were classified as shift workers. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, an unfavorable mealtime, meal skipping, and shiftwork were associated with a higher likelihood of CircS (OR = 1.24; 95%CI 1.07-1.44, OR = 1.39; 95%CI 1.16-1.67, and OR = 1.37; 95%CI 1.01-1.87, respectively). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant interactions between meal timing, meal skipping, or shiftwork and socioeconomic status or lifestyle regarding CircS. These findings highlight the importance of aligning mealtimes with circadian rhythms for improved circadian health.

Keywords: NHANES; chrononutrition; circadian rhythms; circadian syndrome; diet; meal skipping; mealtime; shiftwork.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sample flowchart for meal timing and shiftwork analysis. The white boxes represent the exclusion criteria and excluded subjects. Abbreviations: NHANES, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of midpoint between breakfast and dinner.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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