Eating frequency and weight and body composition: a systematic review of observational studies

Association of largest meal timing and eating frequency with body mass index and obesity

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The circadian pattern of eating behaviors has garnered increasing interest as a strategy for obesity prevention and weight loss. It is believed that the benefits stem from aligning food intake with the body's natural daily rhythms. However, the existing body of evidence is limited in scale and scope and there has been insufficient evaluation of temporal eating behaviors, such as the specific time of day in which the highest calorie consumption occurs, meal frequency, and distribution. This research aims to explore the association between the timing of the largest meal of the day and eating frequency with Body Mass Index (BMI) and obesity.

METHODS

Participants (n = 2050, 18-65y) were part of an exploratory cross-sectional and population-based research, with data collection in a virtual environment. Linear regression analyses and restricted cubic splines evaluated differences in BMI associated with independent eating variables [timing of the largest meal, number of meals/day (as continuous and categorical: ≤3 or >3/day), and each largest meal of the day (breakfast/lunch/dinner)]. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess Odds Ratios (OR) and 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) of obesity associated with the same independent variables.

RESULTS

Our main findings were that the timing of the largest meal and reporting dinner as the largest meal were associated with higher values of BMI (respectively, 0.07 kg/m2 and 0.85 kg/m2) and increased odds of obesity [respectively OR(95%CI):1.04(1.01,1.08), and OR(95%CI):1.67(1.18,2.38)]. Those who realized more than 3 meals/day presented lower values of BMI (-0.14 kg/m2) and 32 % lower odds of having obesity [OR(95%CI):0.68(0.52,0.89)]. Reporting lunch as the largest meal also protected against obesity [OR(95%CI):0.71(0.54,0.93)]. These associations were statistically significant and independent of sex, age, marital status, education level, diet quality, sleep duration, and weekly frequency of physical exercise.

CONCLUSION

Having the largest meal earlier in the day, concentrating the majority of caloric intake during lunch, and consuming more than three meals a day, may present a promising intervention for preventing and treating obesity/overweight.

Meal Frequency Does Not Affect Weight Loss in Overweight/Obese Women but Affects the Body Composition: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Studies showing the relationship between meal frequency, weight loss and anthropometric measurements are contradictory. This study aims to determine the effect of meal frequency on weight loss, anthropometric measurements, and body composition.

METHODS

This is a parallel designed randomized control trial that was conducted with 40 female volunteers between the ages of 19-64 years, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥27 who applied to a private clinic. Participants were randomized in two treatment arms (3 meals + 3 snacks/day (n = 20) vs 3 meals/day (n = 20)) and same dietary energy restriction (-500kcal) was applied for 3 months. Food consumption was questioned with 3 day food records, and anthropometric measurements and body composition were measured before the study and repeated each week till the end of the study by the researcher.

RESULTS

All of the participants completed the study period. Body weight (kg), BMI (kg/m2), total body fat (kg), body fat percentage (%), fat free mass (kg) and waist circumference (cm) decreased, while fat free mass percentage (%) increased significantly in both of the groups at the end of the study (p < 0.05). The rate of difference for body weight, BMI (kg/m2) and waist circumference (cm) were similar among the groups. When difference in body composition analyses was examined, the rate of reduction in total body fat (-18.82 ± 4.97% vs -14.87 ± 7.44%) and body fat percentage (%)(-10.79 ± 4.63% vs -7.68 ± 7.04%) and the rate of increase in fat free mass percentage (%)(7.65 ± 3.16% vs 5.04 ± 3.44%) were significantly higher in 3 meals + 3 snacks group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

When energy restricted and balanced weight loss programs are applied, alteration in body weight, BMI and waist circumference is not affected from meal frequency, but body composition does.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT05581862 (Date of Trial Registration: 13/10/2022).

Meal patterns, including intermittent fasting - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Introduction

'Meal patterns' refers to eating frequency, snacking, regularity, and timing. Here also including intermittent fasting. The effect of meal patterns on health is inconsistent and when updating the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 (NNR2023), summarizing the evidence is important.

Aims

To describe the evidence for the role of meal patterns on bodyweight, body composition, and cardiovascular risk factors (i.e. blood pressure and lipid- and glukose metabolism) in healthy people living with normal weight, overweight, or obesity in all age groups.

Methods

An initial search in PubMed found 481 reviews, of which 104 were identified based on titles. Of these, 47 were excluded based on title and abstracts. Of the remaining 57 reviews, 16 were included reporting search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria. In addition, 8 reviews from reference list or known by authors were included. In total, 24 reviews were relevant. Cochrane Library was searched with no results.

Results

All reviews were rated low or critically low (AMSTAR 2). No consistent findings on eating frequency and body weight or composition were found in children/adolescents or adults. In snacking, mixed results were found, although among adults, some consistent results showed positive associations between snacking and body weight. In regularity, breakfast skipping showed mixed results in children/adolescents on body weight and composition. Among adults, randomized controlled trials on breakfast skipping showed a minor impact on improved weight loss. In prospective studies on timing, lower energy intake during late afternoon/evening was related to less body weight. Intermittent fasting reduced body weight but was not superior to continuous energy restrictions. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in a minority of the reviews, and despite some beneficial effects, the evidence was limited.

Conclusion

Given the overall low to critically low quality of the reviews, the evidence is limited and inconclusive. No consistent results providing evidence for setting recommendations for meal patterns were shown. In this regard, meal patterns may vary within the context of an energy balanced and nutritionally adequate diet.

The association between chrononutrition behaviors and muscle health among older adults: The study of muscle, mobility and aging

Emerging studies highlight chrononutrition's impact on body composition through circadian clock entrainment, but its effect on older adults' muscle health remains largely overlooked. To determine the associations between chrononutrition behaviors and muscle health in older adults. Dietary data from 828 older adults (76 ± 5 years) recorded food/beverage amounts and their clock time over the past 24 h. Studied chrononutrition behaviors included: (1) The clock time of the first and last food/beverage intake; (2) Eating window (the time elapsed between the first and last intake); and (3) Eating frequency (Number of self-identified eating events logged with changed meal occasion and clock time). Muscle mass (D3 -creatine), leg muscle volume (MRI), grip strength (hand-held dynamometer), and leg power (Keiser) were used as outcomes. We used linear regression to assess the relationships between chrononutrition and muscle health, adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, education, study site, self-reported health, energy, protein, fiber intake, weight, height, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Average eating window was 11 ± 2 h/day; first and last intake times were at 8:22 and 19:22, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, a longer eating window and a later last intake time were associated with greater muscle mass (β ± SE: 0.18 ± 0.09; 0.27 ± 0.11, respectively, p < 0.05). The longer eating window was also marginally associated with higher leg power (p = 0.058). An earlier intake time was associated with higher grip strength (-0.38 ± 0.15; p = 0.012). Chrononutrition behaviors, including longer eating window, later last intake time, and earlier first intake time were associated with better muscle mass and function in older adults.

The effects of eating frequency on changes in body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Eating frequency may affect body weight and cardiometabolic health. Intervention trials and observational studies have both indicated that high- and low-frequency eating can be associated with better health outcomes. There are currently no guidelines to inform how to advise healthy adults about how frequently to consume food or beverages.

AIM

To establish whether restricted- (≤ three meals per day) frequency had a superior effect on markers of cardiometabolic health (primary outcome: weight change) compared to unrestricted-eating (≥ four meals per day) frequency in adults.

METHODS

We searched Medline (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CAB Direct and Web of Science Core Collection electronic databases from inception to 7 June 2022 for clinical trials (randomised parallel or cross-over trials) reporting on the effect of high or low-frequency eating on cardiometabolic health (primary outcome: weight change). Trial interventions had to last for at least two weeks, and had to have been conducted in human adults. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all outcomes. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

Seventeen reports covering 16 trials were included in the systematic review. Data from five trials were excluded from meta-analysis due to insufficient reporting. 15 of 16 trials were at high risk of bias. There was very low certainty evidence of no difference between high- and low-frequency eating for weight-change (MD: -0.62 kg, CI95: -2.76 to 1.52 kg, p = 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no discernible advantage to eating in a high- or low-frequency dietary pattern for cardiometabolic health. We cannot advocate for either restricted- or unrestricted eating frequency to change markers of cardiometabolic health in healthy young to middle-aged adults.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

CRD42019137938.

The association between chrononutrition behaviors and muscle health among older adults: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA)

Background

Emerging studies highlight chrononutrition's impact on body composition through circadian clock entrainment, but its effect on older adults' muscle health remains largely overlooked.

Objective

To determine the associations between chrononutrition behaviors and muscle health in older adults.

Methods

Dietary data from 828 older adults (76±5y) recorded food/beverage amounts and their clock time over the past 24 hours. Studied chrononutrition behaviors included: 1) The clock time of the first and last food/beverage intake; 2) Eating window (the time elapsed between the first and last intake); and 3) Eating frequency (Number of self-identified eating events logged with changed meal occasion and clock time). Muscle mass (D 3 -creatine), leg muscle volume (MRI), grip strength (hand-held dynamometer), and leg power (Keiser) were used as outcomes. We used linear regression to assess the relationships between chrononutrition and muscle health, adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, education, study site, self-reported health, energy, protein, fiber intake, weight, height, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Results

Average eating window was 11±2 h/d; first and last intake times were at 8:22 and 19:22, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, a longer eating window and a later last intake time were associated with greater muscle mass (β±SE: 0.18±0.09; 0.27±0.11, respectively, P <0.05). The longer eating window was also marginally associated with higher leg power ( P =0.058). An earlier intake time was associated with higher grip strength (-0.38±0.15; P =0.012).

Conclusions

Chrononutrition behaviors, including longer eating window, later last intake time, and earlier first intake time were associated with better muscle mass and function in older adults.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Key findings

Chrononutrition behaviors, including longer eating window, later last intake time, and earlier first intake time were associated with better muscle mass and function in older adults.

Systematic review of prospective studies assessing risk factors to predict anorexia nervosa onset

BACKGROUND

According to case‒control studies, a multitude of factors contribute to the emergence of anorexia nervosa (AN). The present systematic review examines prospective studies specifically designed to evaluate the prediction of AN onset.

METHODS

According to the ARMSTAR 2 and PRISMA 2020 checklists, the PubMed, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases were searched. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the Downs and Black checklist.

RESULTS

Three articles concerning prospective studies of the general population were ultimately included in the review. The methodological quality of these studies was not optimal. Bidirectional amplification effects were observed between risk factors, some of which could have a relative predictive force as low bodyweight or body dissatisfaction. Even if not included according to specified criteria for this systematic review 11 longitudinal studies, with retrospective analysis of AN onset' prediction, were also discussed. None of these studies asserted the predictive value of particular risk factors as low body weight, anxiety disorders or childhood aggression.

CONCLUSIONS

To date there are insufficient established data to propose predictive markers of AN onset for predictive actions in pre-adolescent or adolescent populations. Future work should further evaluate potential risk factors previously identified in case‒control/retrospective studies within larger prospective investigations in preadolescent populations. It is important to clearly distinguish predisposing factors from precipitating factors in subjects at risk of developing AN.

Medical Nutrition Therapy Interventions Provided by Dietitians for Adult Overweight and Obesity Management: An Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence-Based Practice Guideline

Overweight and obesity affect most adults living in the United States and are causally linked to several adverse health outcomes. Registered dietitian nutritionists or international equivalents (dietitians) collaborate with each client and other health care professionals to meet client-centered goals, informed by the best available evidence, and translated through a lens of clinical expertise and client circumstances and preferences. Since the last iteration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics guideline on adult weight management in 2014, considerable research has been conducted and circumstances confronting dietitians have evolved. Thus, updated guidance is needed. The objective of this evidence-based practice guideline is to provide recommendations for dietitians who deliver medical nutrition therapy behavioral interventions for adults (18 years and older) with overweight and obesity to improve cardiometabolic outcomes, quality of life, and weight outcomes, when appropriate for and desired by the client. Recommendations in this guideline highlight the importance of considering complex contributors to overweight and obesity and individualizing interventions to client-centered goals based on specific needs and preferences and shared decision making. The described recommendations have the potential to increase access to care and decrease costs through utilization of telehealth and group counseling as effective delivery methods, and to address other barriers to overweight and obesity management interventions. It is essential for dietitians to collaborate with clients and interprofessional health care teams to provide high-quality medical nutrition therapy interventions using the nutrition care process to promote attainment of client-centered outcomes for adults with overweight or obesity.

Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status in Young and Middle-Aged Adults according to the Meal Frequency from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Survey

Background

Previous studies have shown a close relationship between skipping breakfast and nutritional deficiency. However, the impact of regular eating, including lunch and dinner, has not been studied well. We explored the correlation between regularity and frequency of daily meals and nutritional status.

Methods

We analyzed Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 2016 and 2018. A total of 7,725 adults aged 19–49 years were classified into four groups according to the regularity of meal intake: three-meal regular diet (3MRD), two-meal regular diet, one-meal regular diet, and irregular diet (IRD). Food and nutrient intake was assessed using the 24-hour recall method and estimated by a generalized linear model in complex sample weight variables.

Results

In IRD, there were relatively more females who were not married, lived alone, or reported low levels of education. As subjects ate more meals, more people felt thinner and healthier by themselves. Dietary intake of cereal, vegetables, seaweed, and fiber was directly proportional to the number of regular meals as well as essential components such as water, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and micronutrients. Contrarily, alcohol and beverage consumption was inversely proportional to the number of regular meals. Intake level of legumes, fish, fruits, seasonings, milk, oils, sugars, and cholesterol was consistent regardless of meal frequency.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that 3MRD showed nutrient adequacy and a healthier profile on body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, serum fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride.

Eating patterns in a nationwide sample of Japanese aged 1-79 years from MINNADE study: eating frequency, clock time for eating, time spent on eating and variability of eating patterns

OBJECTIVE

Although there is growing evidence suggesting that eating patterns are important determinants of health status, comprehensive information on patterning of eating behaviours is almost lacking. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe eating patterns in Japan.

DESIGN

Information on actual eating behaviours was collected using 2-d dietary record in each season over a year (total 8 d). Eating occasions were defined as any discrete intake occasion (with a discrete start clock time and name) except for eating occasions consisting of water only, which were excluded.

SETTING

Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

A nationwide sample of 4032 Japanese aged 1-79 years.

RESULTS

The mean value of eating frequency of meals (i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner), snacks and total eating occasions was 2·94, 1·74 and 4·68 times/d, respectively. The mean clock time for the start of breakfast, lunch and dinner was 07.24, 12.29 and 19.15 h, respectively. The mean time spent consuming breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks was 19, 25, 34 and 27 min/d, respectively. On average, variability (i.e. average of absolute difference from mean) of meal frequency was small compared with that of snack frequency and total eating frequency. Both mean variability of clock time for the start of eating (<1 h) and mean variability of time spent on meals (<10 min/d) were also small. Conversely, mean variability of time spent on snacks was large (>18 min/d).

CONCLUSION

The present findings serve as both a reference and an indication for future research on patterning of eating behaviours.

Association of dietary patterns, number of daily meals and anthropometric measures in women in age of menopause

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of dietary patterns, number of daily meals and anthropometric measures among women in age of menopause.

METHODS

This was a transversal study with 320 women over 50 years old from Caxias do Sul, Brazil. The outcomes were body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Multiple linear regression was performed.

RESULTS

Three dietary patterns: regional, fruits and vegetables, and common Brazilian was identified by Principal Component Analysis. After adjustment, higher adoption of the regional dietary pattern was associated with increased BMI (β = 0.56 [CI95% = 0.03-1.08], p = 0.037) and WC (β = 1.28 [CI95% = 0.17-2,55], p = 0.047). The highest number of meals per day (>=5/day) was associated with reduced BMI (β = -1.18 [CI95% = -2.30 to -0.05], p = 0.041) and WC (β = -2.77 [CI95% = -5.41 to -0.13], p = 0.039), and a mid-afternoon snack BMI (β = -2.16 [CI95% = -3.66 to -0.65], p = 0.005) and WC (β = -5.76 [CI95% = -9.29 to -2.23], p = 0,001). The regional dietary pattern was inversely associated with have five or more meals per day (β = -0.51 [CI95% = -0.84 to -0.18], p = 0.002) and have a mid-afternoon snack (β = -0.63 [CI95% = -1.07 to -0.18], p = 0.006). The fruit and vegetables dietary pattern was positively associated with have five or more meals per day (β = 0.35 [CI95% = 0.02-0.69], p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

The regional dietary pattern has resulted in higher BMI and WC measures and contributes to decreased meals per day, behavior associated with higher anthropometric measures.

Effects of intermittent fasting combined with resistance training on body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the influence of intermittent fasting (IF) in combination with resistance training (RT) on body composition outcomes. Studies examining IF vs. non-IF diets in individuals performing RT, published up to February 2021, were identified through PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and SCOPUS databases. Eight studies, including 221 participants were analyzed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results indicated that IF had a significant effect on body mass (WMD = -2.08 kg; 95% CI: -3.04, -1.13), fat mass (WMD = -1.36 kg; 95% CI: -1.94, -0.78), body mass index (WMD = -0.52 kg/m²; 95% CI: -0.85, -0.19), and body fat percentage (WMD = -1.49%; 95% CI: -2.24, -0.74) relative to non-IF diets, without a significant effect for fat-free mass (WMD = -0.27 kg; 95% CI: -0.82, 0.28). The present systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates potentially beneficial effects of IF in combination with RT for reducing body mass and body fat relative to non-IF control diets, with similar preservation of fat-free mass.

Negative energy balance during military training: The role of contextual limitations

During multiday training exercises, soldiers almost systematically face a moderate-to-large energy deficit, affecting their body mass and composition and potentially their physical and cognitive performance. Such energy deficits are explained by their inability to increase their energy intake during these highly demanding periods. With the exception of certain scenarios in which rations are voluntarily undersized to maximize the constraints, the energy content of the rations are often sufficient to maintain a neutral energy balance, suggesting that other limitations are responsible for such voluntary and/or spontaneous underconsumption. In this review, the overall aim was to present an overview of the impact of military training on energy balance, a context that stands out by its summation of specific limitations that interfere with energy intake. We first explore the impact of military training on the various components of energy balance (intake and expenditure) and body mass loss. Then, the role of the dimensioning of the rations (total energy content above or below energy expenditure) on energy deficits are addressed. Finally, the potential limitations inherent to military training (training characteristics, food characteristics, timing and context of eating, and the soldiers' attitude) are discussed to identify potential strategies to spontaneously increase energy intake and thus limit the energy deficit.

Snacking may improve dietary fiber density and is associated with a lower body mass index in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the relationship between eating frequency (EF), meal frequency, and snacking frequency (SF), and the body weight status of postmenopausal women. We tested how meal frequency and SF were related with macronutrient intake, and how different definitions of snacking affected the study results.

METHODS

Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-d food diary in 302 women age 45 to 65 y. Body weight, body fat percentage, and waist circumference were measured, and the body mass index (BMI) was computed. Women were classified as overweight-to-obese or of normal weight. Eating occasions that provided at least 50 kcal were classified as meals or snacks based on three definitions: Contribution to total energy intake (EI; ≥15% as a meal, <15% as a snack), self-reported, and based on time.

RESULTS

When adjusted for confounders and the EI:estimated energy requirement, a negative association was seen between EF, self-reported SF, and BMI. EF and self-reported SF were negatively associated with EI. Differences in the dietary composition of the snacks between the groups were seen when identified by participants themselves. Specifically, the percentage energy from total sugar and alcohol in self-reported snacks was significantly lower, but dietary fiber density was significantly higher among normal-weight compared with overweight-to-obese women.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher EF and self-reported SF, independently of the EI:estimated energy requirement, is associated with lower BMI values and EI in postmenopausal women. Snacking may improve the dietary fiber density of the diet. An objective definition of snacking needs to be used in nutritional studies.

Impact of Meal Frequency on Anthropometric Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The relation between meal frequency and measures of obesity is inconclusive. Therefore, this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) set out to compare the isocaloric effects of different meal frequencies on anthropometric outcomes and energy intake (EI). A systematic literature search was conducted in 3 electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science; search date, 11 March 2019). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included with ≥2 wk intervention duration comparing any 2 of the eligible isocaloric meal frequencies (i.e., 1 to ≥8 meals/d). Random-effects NMA was performed for 4 outcomes [body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), and EI], and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was estimated using a frequentist approach (P-score: value is between 0 and 1). Twenty-two RCTs with 647 participants were included. Our results suggest that 2 meals/d probably slightly reduces BW compared with 3 meals/d [mean difference (MD): -1.02 kg; 95% CI: -1.70, -0.35 kg) or 6 meals/d (MD: -1.29 kg; 95% CI: -1.74, -0.84 kg; moderate certainty of evidence). We are uncertain whether 1 or 2 meals/d reduces BW compared with ≥8 meals/d (MD1 meal/d vs. ≥8 meals/d: -2.25 kg; 95% CI: -5.13, 0.63 kg; MD2 meals/d vs. ≥8 meals/d: -1.32 kg; 95% CI: -2.19, -0.45 kg) and whether 1 meal/d probably reduces FM compared with 3 meals/d (MD: -1.84 kg; 95% CI: -3.72, 0.05 kg; very low certainty of evidence). Two meals per day compared with 6 meals/d probably reduce WC (MD: -3.77 cm; 95% CI: -4.68, -2.86 cm; moderate certainty of evidence). One meal per day was ranked as the best frequency for reducing BW (P-score: 0.81), followed by 2 meals/d (P-score: 0.74), whereas 2 meals/d performed best for WC (P-score: 0.96). EI was not affected by meal frequency. In conclusion, our findings indicate that there is little robust evidence that reducing meal frequency is beneficial.

Eating frequency and weight status in Portuguese children aged 3-9 years: results from the cross-sectional National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2015-2016

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate daily eating frequency (main meals and snacks) in relation to weight status in children aged 3-9 years, representative of the Portuguese population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was estimated as the mean of two non-consecutive days of food diaries, followed by face-to-face interviews. Weight and height were measured by trained observers. Eating occasions (EO) were defined by the children's caregiver; an EO was considered separate if the time of consumption was different from other EO and it provided at least 209 kJ (50 kcal). Main meals defined as 'breakfast', 'lunch' and 'dinner' could be selected only once per day. The remaining EO were considered snacks. The association between eating frequency and overweight/obesity was evaluated through logistic regressions weighted for the population distribution.

SETTING

National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey of the Portuguese population, 2015-2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Portuguese children aged 3-9 years with complete dietary data and anthropometric measurements (n 517).

RESULTS

Overall, the number of daily EO ranged from 3·5 to 11, and on average children had 5·7 daily EO. After adjustment for child's sex, age and total energy intake, and considering only plausible energy intake reporters, having < 3 snacks/d was positively associated with being overweight/obese (OR = 1·98; 95 % CI 1·00, 3·90), compared with having ≥ 3 snacks/d.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower daily frequency of EO was associated with increased odds of being overweight or obese in children. A higher eating frequency, maintaining the same energy intake, seems to contribute to a healthy body weight in children.

More Frequent Intake of Regular Meals and Less Frequent Snacking Are Weakly Associated with Lower Long-Term Gains in Body Mass Index and Fat Mass in Middle-Aged Men and Women

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the relationship between eating frequency and long-term change in body weight, and the results have been inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the associations between eating frequency and 6-y changes in body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2), fat mass, fat-free mass, body fat percentage, and waist circumference.

METHODS

The study consisted of Danish men (n = 1080) and women (n = 1044) aged 35-67 y with repeated measures of eating frequency, adiposity, and covariates during 11 y. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the associations between baseline eating frequency and subsequent change in BMI, fat mass, fat-free mass, fat percentage, and waist circumference, as well as the association between initial change in eating frequency and subsequent change in the same outcomes.

RESULTS

Total baseline eating frequency was not associated with change in outcomes. However, when separately examining regular meals and snacks, each additional daily meal was associated with a subsequent 6-y change in BMI of -0.14 (95% CI: -0.27, -0.00). Similar tendencies of inverse associations were found for change in fat mass (P = 0.04), fat-free mass (P = 0.07), and waist circumference (P = 0.05). We found no association between initial change in total eating frequency and subsequent change in outcomes. However, each additional daily regular meal after 5 y was associated with a subsequent 6-y change in BMI of -0.16 (95% CI: -0.30, -0.01). Inverse associations were also seen for fat (P = 0.04) and fat-free mass (P = 0.05). In contrast, an increase in daily frequency of snacking was associated with an increase in fat mass (P = 0.04) and fat percentage (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that total frequency of eating has little or no influence on adiposity among middle-aged Danish men and women. Consumption of regular meals, but not snack consumption, showed a weak inverse association with longitudinal gains in BMI.

The role of intermittent fasting and meal timing in weight management and metabolic health

Obesity remains a major public health concern and intermittent fasting is a popular strategy for weight loss, which may present independent health benefits. However, the number of diet books advising how fasting can be incorporated into our daily lives is several orders of magnitude greater than the number of trials examining whether fasting should be encouraged at all. This review will consider the state of current understanding regarding various forms of intermittent fasting (e.g. 5:2, time-restricted feeding and alternate-day fasting). The efficacy of these temporally defined approaches appears broadly equivalent to that of standard daily energy restriction, although many of these models of intermittent fasting do not involve fed-fasted cycles every other 24 h sleep-wake cycle and/or permit some limited energy intake outside of prescribed feeding times. Accordingly, the intervention period therefore may not regularly alternate, may not span all or even most of any given day, and may not even involve absolute fasting. This is important because potentially advantageous physiological mechanisms may only be initiated if a post-absorptive state is sustained by uninterrupted fasting for a more prolonged duration than applied in many trials. Indeed, promising effects on fat mass and insulin sensitivity have been reported when fasting duration is routinely extended beyond sixteen consecutive hours. Further progress will require such models to be tested with appropriate controls to isolate whether any possible health effects of intermittent fasting are primarily attributable to regularly protracted post-absorptive periods, or simply to the net negative energy balance indirectly elicited by any form of dietary restriction.

Mobile Phone App for Self-Monitoring of Eating Rhythm: Field Experiment

Background

Temporal aspects of eating are an integral part of healthy eating, and regular eating has been associated with good diet quality and more successful weight control. Unfortunately, irregular eating is becoming more common. Self-monitoring of behavior has been found to be an efficient behavioral change technique, but the solution should be simple enough to ensure long-lasting adherence.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the influence of self-monitoring of daily eating pattern with mobile phone app on eating rhythm, eating behavior tendencies, and the underlying motives and attitudes related to eating.

Methods

A mobile phone app, Button, was developed for effortless self-monitoring of eating rhythm. The feasibility of the app was tested in a 30-day intervention. The participants (N=74) recorded their eating occasions during the intervention by pressing a button in the app widget.

Results

The average interval between meals increased (96 [SD 24] min during the first 10 days vs 109.1[SD 36.4] during the last 10 days) and the number of daily eating occasions decreased (4.9 [SD 0.9] during the first 10 days vs 4.4 [SD 0.9] during the last 10 days). The tendencies for cognitive restraint, emotional eating, and uncontrolled eating increased. Eating-related attitudes and motives remained largely unchanged.

Conclusions

These results indicate that a simple self-monitoring tool is able to draw a user’s attention to eating and is a potential tool to aid people to change their eating rhythm.

The Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight/Obesity and Their Related Lifestyle Factors in Indonesia, 2014-2015

Objective

To quantify the prevalence of underweight and overweight or obesity and its related factors (socio-demographic, health behavior, health status) in a national adult population in Indonesia.

Material and Methods

In a national cross-sectional population-based survey in 2014–15 in Indonesia, 29509 adults (median age 41.0 years, Inter Quartile Range = 22.0, age range of 18–103 years) completed questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Multinomial logistic regression modelling was used to determine the association between socio-demographic, health behavior and health status factors and underweight and overweight or obesity.

Results

Of total sample (n = 29509), 11.2% measured underweight (13.5% among men and 9.1% among women) (<18.5 kg/m²), 39.8% normal weight (48.1% among men and 32.0% among women) and 49.0% had overweight or obesity (≥23 kg/m²) (38.3% among men and 58.9% among women); 24.6% of the overall sample had class I obesity (25–29.9 kg/m²), and 8.5% had class II obesity (30 or more kg/m²). Among different age groups, underweight was the highest among 18–29 year-olds (20.0%) and those 70 years and older (29.8%), while overweight or obesity was the highest in the age group 30 to 59 years (more than 53%). In adjusted multinomial logistic regression, having less education, living in rural areas and not having chronic conditions were associated with underweight status. While better education, higher economic status, urban residency, dietary behavior (infrequent meals, frequent meat, fried snacks and fast food consumption), physical inactivity, not using tobacco, having chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterol), and better perceived health and happiness status were associated with overweight or obesity.

Conclusions

A dual burden of both adult underweight and having overweight or obesity was found in Indonesia. Sociodemographic, health risk behavior and health status risk factors were identified, which can guide public health interventions to address both these conditions.