The effects of chrononutrition, chronotype and sleep behavior variabilities on adiposity traits and appetite sensations among students and staff of a Malaysian university

Abstract

We investigated the association of chrononutrition, sleep behavior, and chronotype with adiposity and appetite sensations among 220 Malaysian adults (M/F = 57/163; aged 22.02 ± 5.19). Meal times, dietary intake, and appetite sensations (before and after meals) were recorded for two weekdays and one weekend. Sleep behavior was tracked objectively via activity wristband, chronotype was assessed by the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, and anthropometrics/body compositions were measured. Overall participants had significantly later breakfast, lunch, eating midpoint, wake up time, sleep duration, compared to weekdays. Those who belonged to the delay eating jetlag group had significantly higher weekday, but lower weekend eating windows. Larger caloric intake later in the day was significantly associated with lower body mass and adiposity. Delay lunch jetlag class was significantly associated with higher waist-hip ratio. Delayed morning and afternoon chrononutrition behaviors were associated with higher hunger and eating thoughts, and lower fullness sensations pre- and post-meals. Morningness was associated with lower satisfaction and fullness sensations post-breakfast, but higher same sensations pre-dinner. In conclusion, larger caloric intake later in the day and advanced lunch jetlag led to lower adiposity, while delayed chrononutrition behaviours were associated with higher pre- and post-meal appetite sensations.

Keywords: Chrononutrition; adiposity; appetite sensations; chronotype; meal time; meal variability; sleep variability.