Improvement in chrono-nutrition is associated with robust weight loss outcomes: An extension of the feasibility study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Previously we had demonstrated the development and feasibility of an integrated chrono-nutrition weight reduction program among non-shift workers with morning and evening chronotypes. In this current paper, we described the association between the changes in chrono-nutrition practice and weight loss outcomes upon completing the weight reduction program. A total of 91 overweight/obese non-shift workers participated in the 12-week integrated chrono-nutrition weight reduction program (Age: 39.6 ± 6.3 y; 74.7% women; BMI: 31.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2). All the assessments including anthropometry, dietary, sleep habits, physical activity, and process of change were measured during pre- and post-intervention. Participants who had lost ≥3% of their body weight were categorized as satisfactory weight loss outcome, and those who did not achieve 3% weight loss were categorized as unsatisfactory weight loss. The satisfactory weight loss had greater daily percent energy intake during earlier in the day from protein (Mean difference (MD): +3.2%, 95% CI: 1.6, 4.9, p < .001) and smaller intake from fat during later in the day (MD: −2.6%, 95% CI: −5.1, −0.1, p = .045), earlier last mealtime (MD: −49.5 min, 95% CI: −86.5, −12.6, p = .009) and midpoint of eating (MD: −27.3 min, 95% CI: −46.3, −8.2, p = .006), shorter eating window (−0.8 h, 95% CI: −1.4, −0.1, p = .031) and greater reduction in night eating syndrome score (MD: −2.4, 95% CI: −4.3, −0.5, p = .015) compared to unsatisfactory weight loss outcome. After accounting for potential confounders, the temporal pattern of energy, protein, and fat intake were associated with greater odds of achieving a satisfactory weight loss. The findings suggest a promising role of chrono-nutrition as one of the strategies in weight reduction intervention.