Weight gain typically caused by a high genetic score for obesity can be combatted by eating meals earlier in the day, new evidence has revealed.
A recent study from Complutense University of Madrid has found that the time we eat meals can impact our energy expenditure, circadian alignment and metabolism.
In addition, they have discovered that metabolic tissues can be synchronised by zeitgeber – a rhythmically occurring natural phenomenon which acts as a cue in regulation of the body’s circadian rhythms. Zeitgeber can alter when food timings change.
- Popular 5:2 fasting diet beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity
- Fasting triggers changes in the gut and brain that could help delay dementia
- Research highlights intermittent fasting as an effective diet for weight loss
The central clock can desynchronise peripheral oscillators in metabolic organs and tissues sensitive to food timing.
During the trial, the team of researchers performed linear regression analyses to assess whether meal timing interacts with a genome-wide polygenic score on BMI and long-term weight-loss maintenance.
In the study, a total of 1,195 individuals took part, all of whom were living with overweight or obesity.
They all underwent a 16-week behavioural weight-loss treatment, followed by a post-treatment weight assessment 12 years later.
To assess each participant’s BMI, the researchers calculated a polygenic risk score from 900,492 single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
They also analysed the participants’ meal times.
- Experts urge people to seek medical advice before water-only fasting
- Low carb intake associated with metabolic benefits of short-term fasting
- Intermittent fasting and HIIT workouts improve metabolism in postmenopausal women
The researchers calculated a midpoint of meal intake for each participant, which is the halfway time between a participant’s first and last meals.
According to the results, each hour of later midpoint corresponded to a 0.952 kg/m2higher baseline BMI and a 2.2% rise in body weight at 12 years after treatment.
“Meal timing is associated with weight-loss maintenance and moderates genetic risk, suggesting that early eating could form part of personalised obesity interventions,” said the authors.
To read the study, click here.
