The body operates according to a natural circadian rhythm that regulates digestion, appetite, and energy expenditure.
As a result, meal timing can influence how the body functions.
A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that people with consistent eating habits often have a lower BMI than those who eat more irregularly.
Late dinners and frequent snacking throughout the day have been associated with higher body weight in studies.
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Longer breaks may help
Researchers particularly highlighted the gap between dinner and breakfast.
A longer overnight fasting period may give the body more time to recover and burn energy.
Epidemiologist Luciana Pons-Muzzo told Science Alert, according to Aktualne, that a longer nightly fasting window without food may help maintain a healthy weight.
At the same time, the research indicates that the body functions better with fixed routines rather than many small meals spread throughout the day.
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Breakfast matters
Research also shows that the timing of breakfast may play an important role.
People who ate earlier in the morning were, in several cases, found to have a lower BMI over time.
Researchers believe that an early breakfast aligns better with the body’s natural rhythm and may help regulate blood sugar and hormones more effectively.
The two habits researchers particularly emphasize are avoiding late meals and eating earlier in the day, thereby creating a longer fasting window overnight.
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Sources: Aktualne, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Science Alert, and Obesity.
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