Abstract
BackgroundSome studies in adults indicate a positive correlation between eating later in the day and overall energy intake as well as body weight status. Thus, the time of food intake may be a risk factor in childhood obesity. This study was designed to describe the proportion of energy consumed in the time from 4 pm to midnight measured in two-hour increments and to determine a potential association between the time of proportion of energy consumed and body weight status.MethodsDietary, anthropometric, and socio-demographic data of 2–18 year olds (N = 11,072) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004 was examined to describe the proportion of total energy consumed within two-hour time periods between 4 pm and midnight. To examine the potential association between eating later in the day and body weight status, generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to quantify the effect of time trends (proportion of total energy consumed in each 2-hour time period from 4 pm to 11.59 pm) on body weight status. Analysis was conducted in the total sample and in subgroups stratified by sex, ethnic group (Non-Hispanic white, Non-Hispanic black, Mexican American, Other Hispanic, and Other Race including multi-racial) and age group (2–5, 6–11, and 12–18 year olds). Complex sample survey analysis were used to assess differences at a significance level of p-value < 0.05.ResultsProportion of energy consumed varied by sex, ethnic group, and age groups between 4 pm and 11.59 pm. Compared to healthy weight children, overweight school-age children consumed significantly higher while overweight adolescents consumed significantly lower proportions of total daily energy with each advancing two-hour time increment.ConclusionThe association between the circadian rhythm of eating and body weight status needs to be investigated further to examine the effect of time of consumption on the risk of childhood obesity. Especially longitudinal studies in diverse child populations would help elucidate the importance of time of eating on obesity.
Highlights
Some studies in adults indicate a positive correlation between eating later in the day and overall energy intake as well as body weight status
The association between the circadian rhythm of eating and body weight status needs to be investigated further to examine the effect of time of consumption on the risk of childhood obesity
In an effort to contribute to childhood obesity prevention efforts, the present study focused on a nationally representative sample of the U.S pediatric population to examine the association between the proportion of total energy consumed during two-hour time periods in the afternoon and evening hours and childrens' body weight status
Summary
Some studies in adults indicate a positive correlation between eating later in the day and overall energy intake as well as body weight status. The time of food intake may be a risk factor in childhood obesity. According to most recent prevalence estimates [1], adult obesity rates increased in 37 states of the United States (U.S.) in the past year. An estimated two-thirds of American adults and 23 million children are either overweight or obese. Studies on childhood obesity include the investigation of the relationship between non-modifiable characteristics such as age, ethnicity, and sex as well as modifiable factors such as diet quality and nutrient composition [2]. The time of food consumption may be an additional, yet understudied, component affecting the development of childhood obesity
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