Meal Time Research Articles

Method for predicting the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus development in persons with visceral obesity and prediabetes

Aim. To create a mathematical model, which will predict the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) in individuals with visceral obesity and/or prediabetes. Materials and methods. Clinical and laboratory data of 330 patients were analyzed. Multivariate regression and cosinor analysis determined the most sensitive parameters influencing the development of DM 2. With the help of discriminant linear analysis, a mathematical model for predicting DM 2 was built, with confirmation of its quality by ROC analysis. Results. In the studied groups (DM 2), prediabetes and without carbohydrate metabolism disorders (n=110), statistically significant correlations were obtained: between basal body temperature (BBT) and daily energy value – DEV (r=0.5; p0.0001), circadian rhythm amplitude glycemia and waist circumference (r=-0.7; p=0.004), age and BBT (r=0.5; p0.001). In groups without carbohydrate metabolism disorders and prediabetes, multiple regression analysis identified significant factors influencing the development of DM 2: daily amplitude of BBT, daily amplitude of glycemia and bedtime (p=0.001), DEV and meal time (p=0.0001). Cosinor analysis of the daily model of glycemia and BBT established an amplitude-phase shift (p=0.028; p=0.012). Linear discriminant analysis yielded a predictive model: D=-16.845 + age х 0.044 + gender х 0.026 + amplitude of circadian rhythm of BBT х 1.424 + amplitude of circadian rhythm of glycemia х 11.155 + bedtime х 0.054 + DEV х 0.0001 + waist circumference х 0.022 + glycated hemoglobin х 1.19, where -16.845 – constant, 0.044, 0.026, 1.424, 11.155, 0.054, 0.0001, 0.022, 1.19 – coefficients of the linear discriminant function. At D0 no development of DM 2 is predicted, at D0 the development of DM 2 is in the near future. Sensitivity ratio – 92.5%, specificity – 79.1% (ROC analysis). Conclusion. The presented predictive model has a high (92.5%) sensitivity due to the combination of 2 mathematical analyses. Most of the applied parameters are modifiable, which makes it possible to apply this model at the preventive stage.

Impact of daily fasting duration on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors during a time-restricted eating protocol: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTime-restricted eating (TRE) is a dietary regimen that limits food intake for at least 12 h daily. Unlike other fasting protocols, TRE does not dictate what or how much to eat but rather focuses on the timing of meals. This approach has been previously demonstrated to improve body composition in individuals with obesity or metabolic impairments. However, its impact on body composition and cardiometabolic factors in healthy individuals remains unclear. Furthermore, the optimal fasting duration is still debated. Thus, we aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks of different fasting durations on body composition and biochemical parameters in metabolically healthy, non-trained individuals using a parallel randomized controlled trial.MethodsForty-one volunteers were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental groups: TRE 16:8 (16 h of fasting,8 h of eating), TRE 14:10 (14 h of fasting,10 h of eating), TRE 12:12 (12 h of fasting,12 h of eating) or a normal diet group (ND; no dietary restriction). Participants underwent body composition measurements and blood tests for lipid profiles (i.e., total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), fasting glucose, leptin, and anabolic hormones (i.e., insulin and testosterone) levels. Data were analyzed using both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis to account for compliance. A two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was employed to assess interactions between time and group.ResultsIn the ITT analysis, TRE 16:8 reduced body mass (-2.46%, p = 0.003) and absolute fat mass (-8.65%, p = 0.001) with no changes in lean soft tissue and in calorie intake. These results were consistent with the PP analysis which included 8 participants in TRE 16:8, 5 in TRE 14:10, 9 in TRE 12:12, and the entire ND group. Participants in the TRE 16:8 group spontaneously reduced their total caloric intake, although this reduction was not statistically significant. None of the other measurements significantly changed after 8 weeks.ConclusionsOur results suggest that a 16-hour fasting window, even without caloric restriction, may be a viable strategy for improving body composition in healthy and non-trained individuals, whereas a shorter fasting period may be insufficient to produce significant changes in a healthy population.Trial registrationNCT, NCT04503005. Registered 4 August 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04503005.

Effects of Prolonged Screen Time on Children Aged 1-5 Years – A Cross-sectional Study

<i>Introduction</i>: With the advancement of digital technology, people are enjoying the benefits of it in the context of information gathering, entertainment, saving physical time, and advertisement. Yet with good outcomes many undesirable side effects happen not only in adults but also in children. The prolonged use of screen time for children's physical, mental, and social health and development has now become a concern. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of prolonged screen time and its impact on children aged 1-5 years. <i>Methods</i>: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January, 2020 to July, 2020. This study included 150 children aged between 1 -5 years who used various screen devices daily. Children were divided into two groups – Group A (Children used screen time >2 hours/day) and Group B (Children used screen time <2 hours/day). <i>Result</i>: The mean age was 3.6 ±0.04 years and most of the children were male (60%). During meal time, 86% of children showed adverse effects like aggressiveness and stopped eating in group A, and 28 (37%) & 21 (28%) children demanded devices at sleep time in groups A & B respectively. Regarding nutritional effects, 26(35%) children of group A were overweight and 16(21%) were underweight. In group B, it is 28% and 20% respectively. <i>Conclusion</i>: The findings showed that using devices for more than 2 hours per day by children aged 1-5 years, was detrimental in regards to sleep disturbance, eating behavior, and nutritional condition.

Continuous glucose monitoring in para cyclists: An observational study.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is an emerging tool for dietary counseling in athletes. This study aimed to explore blood glucose profiles in Para cyclists and evaluate CGM accuracy at rest and during exercise. Thirteen Para cyclists, comprising eight hand bikers and five cyclists, wore a CGM sensor (Abbott) for 2weeks. Participants recorded the timing of meals and regular training sessions and executed one standardized training session. Fifteen capillary blood glucose reference values (seven at rest and eight during the standardized training) were obtained by finger pricks. Mean glucose concentrations and time spent in hypoglycemia (<3.9mmol/L), euglycemia (3.9-7.8mmol/L), and hyperglycemia (>7.8mmol/L) were calculated over 24hrs and during daytime, nighttime, exercise, and 2hrs postprandial periods. Mean absolute relative differences (MARD) were calculated between the CGM and capillary blood glucose. The mean glucose concentration over the 24hr-period was 5.7 (5.6-5.8) mmol/L. Athletes were in the euglycemia range 91% of the time. Hyperglycemia was almost exclusively observed postprandially and during exercise. Hypoglycemia was restricted to the night and was particularly observed in athletes with a spinal cord injury. CGM accuracy was acceptable at rest (MARD: 12%) but markedly lower during exercise (MARD: 34%; p=0.01), especially for hand bikers (MARD: 41%) compared with cyclists (MARD: 24%; p=0.01). Para cyclists generally do not display signs of disturbed glucose regulation. However, the increased risk for nocturnal hypoglycemia in athletes with a spinal cord injury warrants attention. Furthermore, CGM accuracy is compromised during exercise, especially if the sensor is in proximity to highly active muscles.

Impact of Ahmadi Continuing Nursing Model on self-care ability, stoma complications and quality of life of colostomy patients

ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of Ahmadi Continuing Nursing Model (ACNM) on the self-care ability, stoma complications and life quality in colostomy patients.MethodsThe clinical data of 120 patients who underwent postoperative colostomy in our hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into control group (n = 60, treated with routine nursing) and observation group (n = 60, treated with the ACNM on the basis of routine nursing) according to different nursing methods. Postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function, ostomy adaptability, self-care ability, and life quality before and after nursing were compared. The probability of complications before and after nursing was recorded between the two groups.ResultsThe time of first exhaust was 3.65 ± 0.82 d, the time of first meal was 1.83 ± 0.65 d, and the first bowel sound recovery was 1.47 ± 0.53 d in the observation group, which were shorter than those in the control group (4.38 ± 1.20 d, 3.12 ± 1.15 d, 2.39 ± 1.06 d, P < 0.001). After intervention, the positive emotions in the ostomy adaptation score were 32.09 ± 5.03 points, negative emotions were 31.41 ± 5.70 points, social life adaptation were 27.12 ± 4.98 points, and the total score was 90.78 ± 5.98 points in the observation group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (26.32 ± 4.52 points, 24.25 ± 6.02 points, 20.25 ± 4.02 points, 67.25 ± 6.09 points, P < 0.001). The self-willingness was 34.18 ± 4.02 points, self-care skill was 10.57 ± 2.23 points, self-care knowledge was 18.59 ± 3.10 points, and the total score was 63.18 ± 4.98 points in the observation group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (25.25 ± 3.08 points, 8.72 ± 2.13 points, 15.26 ± 2.70 points, 45.69 ± 4.09 points, P < 0.001). The physical function was 79.74 ± 2.81 points, psychological function was 76.71 ± 3.05 points, social function was 78.11 ± 3.50 points, and material life status was 60.06 ± 2.98 points in the quality of life in the observation group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (75.36 ± 2.68 points, 69.72 ± 2.93 points, 72.33 ± 3.42 points, 51.23 ± 3.08 points, P < 0.001).ConclusionACNM effectively promoted the recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery in colostomy patients by improving patients’ stoma adaptability, self-care ability and life quality and reducing the occurrence of complications, which was worthy of promotion.

A biological rhythm in the hypothalamic system links sleep-wake cycles with feeding-fasting cycles

The hypothalamus senses the appetite-regulating hormones and also coordinates the metabolic function in alignment with the circadian rhythm. This alignment is essential to maintain the physiological conditions that prevent clinically important comorbidities, such as obesity or type-2 diabetes. However, a complete model of the hypothalamus that relates food intake with circadian rhythms and appetite hormones has not yet been developed. In this work, we present a computational model that accurately allows interpreting neural activity in terms of hormone regulation and sleep-wake cycles. We used a conductance-based model, which consists of a system of four differential equations that considers the ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, and the input currents from homeostatic hormones. We proposed a logistic function that fits available experimental data of insulin hormone concentration and added it into a short-term ghrelin model that served as an input to our dynamical system. Our results show a double oscillatory system, one synchronized by light-regulated sleep-wake cycles and the other by food-regulated feeding-fasting cycles. We have also found that meal timing frequency is highly relevant for the regulation of the hypothalamus neurons. We therefore present a mathematical model to explore the plausible link between the circadian rhythm and the endogenous food clock.

Meal Timing and Sleep Health Among Midlife Mexican Women During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aimed to examine associations between meal timing habits and sleep health in midlife Mexican women. Data comprised 379 midlife Mexican women who participated in a phone survey conducted within the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) project during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Women answered questions related to meal habits and sleep duration, latency, and quality. We used linear regression to investigate the associations between meal timing, frequency of meals/snacks, eating window (duration between first and last eating occasion of the day), duration between last meal, bedtime, sleep duration, and logistic regression to examine the associations between meal timing, sleep latency, and sleep quality, adjusting for confounders. Later timing of meals throughout the day, and a shorter interval between the last meal of the day and bedtime, were associated with prolonged sleep latency and worse sleep quality. Associations with sleep duration were mixed: a longer eating window and a later largest and last meal were each associated with shorter sleep duration, while a later first meal and a shorter interval between the last meal of the day and bedtime were associated with longer sleep duration. Meal timing habits are associated with sleep duration, latency, and quality in midlife women.

Association of chrono-nutrition components with cardiometabolic health in a sample of Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study.

Chrono-nutrition is an emerging field that examines how the frequency and timing of meals impact health. Previous research shows inconsistency in the relationship between chrono-nutritional components and cardiometabolic health. We investigated cross-sectional associations between these components and cardiometabolic health in 825 Iranian adults aged 20-59 years. Dietary data, including the number of eating occasions (EOs), meal timing, and meal irregularity of energy intake, were collected using three 24-hour dietary recalls. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and laboratory tests (fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, insulin, uric acid, and c-reactive protein) were conducted. Insulin resistance and sensitivity (HOMA-IR, HOMA-IS), the triglyceride-glucose, the lipid accommodation product and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. The demographic and morning-evening questionnaire (MEQ) was completed. General linear regression was used to assess associations between chrono-nutritional components and outcomes. Interactions with age and BMI were examined in all associations. Chrono-nutrition components were not significantly related to cardiometabolic risk factors in the total population. However, a lower number of EOs was associated with an increased LDL/HDL-C ratio (β (95% CI): 0.26 (0.06-0.48)) among overweight and obese participants. Additionally, less irregularity in breakfast energy intake was associated with a lower total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (-0.37 (-0.95 to -0.18)) and a lower LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (-0.32 (-0.79 to -0.13)) among participants with a normal BMI (all p < 0.05). The study concluded that more frequent meals, and regular energy intake might enhance cardiometabolic health cross-sectionally, highlighting the need for prospective studies to further investigate these associations and the mediating role of BMI.

Chronotypical influence on eating behaviour and appetite control.

A person's chronotype reflects individual variability in diurnal rhythms for preferred timing of sleep and daily activities such as exercise and food intake. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the evidence around the influence of chronotype on eating behaviour and appetite control, as well as our perspectives and suggestions for future research. Increasing evidence demonstrates that late chronotype is associated with adverse health outcomes. A late chronotype may exacerbate the influence of greater evening energy intake on overweight/obesity risk and curtail weight management efforts. Furthermore, late chronotypes tend to have worse diet quality, with greater intake of fast foods, caffeine, and alcohol and lower intake of fruits and vegetables. Late chronotype is also associated with eating behaviour traits that increase the susceptibility to overconsumption such as disinhibition, food cravings, and binge eating. Whether an individual's chronotype influences appetite in response to food intake and exercise is an area of recent interest that has largely been overlooked. Preliminary evidence suggests additive rather than interactive effects of chronotype and meal timing on appetite and food reward, but that hunger may decrease to a greater extent in response to morning exercise in early chronotypes and in response to evening exercise in late chronotypes. More studies examining the interplay between an individual's chronotype, food intake/exercise timing and sleep are required as this could be of importance to inform personalised dietary and exercise prescriptions to promote better appetite control and weight management outcomes.

The mediating role of obesity in the associations of meal-specific dietary patterns and chrono-nutrition components with cardiometabolic risk factors: structural equation modeling

BackgroundCircadian eating patterns and chrono-nutrition may influence obesity and disease incidence. Thus, this study aimed to assess the mediating role of obesity in the relationship between meal-specific dietary patterns (DPs), chrono-nutritional components, and cardiometabolic risk using structural equation modeling (SEM).MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 825 Iranian adults was conducted. Dietary intake was recorded using three 24-h dietary recalls. The morning-evening questionnaire was completed. Meal timing, frequency of eating occasions, and irregular energy scores were derived from dietary recalls. Principal component analysis identified DPs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and laboratory investigations, including fasting glucose levels, lipid profiles, and insulin levels, were performed. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostatic model, and triglyceride and glucose indices were calculated.ResultsThe final SEM showed, that the “oil, egg, and cereals” DPs at breakfast were directly associated with lipids [β (95% CI); 0.105 (0.007–0.203)]. The “oil, dairy, potato, and egg” DPs at lunch were indirectly linked to increased lipids [0.156 (0.040–0.271), BP (0.338 (0.226–0.449)], and insulin indices [0.208 (0.188–0.277)]. At dinner, the “cereal, oil, poultry, and legume” DPs was directly related to lower BP [− 0.095 (− 0.179 to − 0.012)]. The frequency of eating was directly related to lipid levels (− 0.101 (− 0.193 to − 0.008)]. An irregular energy score was not related to outcomes.ConclusionMore frequent meals and healthier DPs, especially at dinner, were linked to better cardiometabolic outcomes, with obesity mediating some effects. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships.

Interaction Between Early Meals (Big-Breakfast Diet), Clock Gene mRNA Expression, and Gut Microbiome to Regulate Weight Loss and Glucose Metabolism in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

The circadian clock gene system plays a pivotal role in coordinating the daily rhythms of most metabolic processes. It is synchronized with the light-dark cycle and the eating-fasting schedule. Notably, the interaction between meal timing and circadian clock genes (CGs) allows for optimizing metabolic processes at specific times of the day. Breakfast has a powerful resetting effect on the CG network. A misaligned meal pattern, such as skipping breakfast, can lead to a discordance between meal timing and the endogenous CGs, and is associated with obesity and T2D. Conversely, concentrating most calories and carbohydrates (CH) in the early hours of the day upregulates metabolic CG expression, thus promoting improved weight loss and glycemic control. Recently, it was revealed that microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, known as the gut microbiome (GM), and its derived metabolites display daily oscillation, and play a critical role in energy and glucose metabolism. The timing of meal intake coordinates the oscillation of GM and GM-derived metabolites, which in turn influences CG expression, playing a crucial role in the metabolic response to food intake. An imbalance in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) can also reciprocally disrupt CG rhythms. Evidence suggests that misaligned meal timing may cause such disruptions and can lead to obesity and hyperglycemia. This manuscript focuses on the reciprocal interaction between meal timing, GM oscillation, and circadian CG rhythms. It will also review studies demonstrating how aligning meal timing with the circadian clock can reset and synchronize CG rhythms and GM oscillations. This synchronization can facilitate weight loss and improve glycemic control in obesity and those with T2D.

Exercise, nutrition and medicine timing in metabolic health: implications for management of type 2 diabetes.

Chrono-medicine considers circadian biology in disease management, including combined lifestyle and medicine interventions. Exercise and nutritional interventions are well-known for their efficacy in managing type 2 diabetes, and metformin remains a widely used pharmacological agent. However, metformin may reduce exercise capacity and interfere with skeletal muscle adaptations, creating barriers to exercise adherence. Research into optimising the timing of exercise has shown promise, particularly for glycaemic management in people with type 2 diabetes. Aligning exercise timing with circadian rhythms and nutritional intake may maximise benefits. Nutritional timing also plays a crucial role in glycaemic control. Recent research suggests that not only what we eat but when we eat significantly impacts glycaemic control, with strategies like time-restricted feeding (TRF) showing promise in reducing caloric intake, improving glycaemic regulation and enhancing overall metabolic health. These findings suggest that meal timing could be an important adjunct to traditional dietary and exercise approaches in managing diabetes and related metabolic disorders. When taking a holistic view of Diabetes management and the diurnal environment, one must also consider the circadian biology of medicines. Metformin has a circadian profile in plasma, and our recent study suggests that morning exercise combined with pre-breakfast metformin intake reduces glycaemia more effectively than post-breakfast intake. In this review, we aim to explore the integration of circadian biology into type 2 diabetes management by examining the timing of exercise, nutrition and medication. In conclusion, chrono-medicine offers a promising, cost-effective strategy for managing type 2 diabetes. Integrating precision timing of exercise, nutrition and medication into treatment plans requires considering the entire diurnal environment, including lifestyle and occupational factors, to develop comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare strategies.

Chrononutrition and Mental Health: Exploring Links Between Eating Patterns Circadian Rhythms and Psychological Well-being

This study investigates the relationship between chrononutrition—timing and patterns of food intake—and mental health, focusing on how circadian rhythms influence psychological well-being. Using a qualitative approach, this literature review synthesizes recent research exploring the connections between eating patterns, biological rhythms, and mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and overall mood stability. Findings indicate that irregular eating times, late-night meals, and skipping meals disrupt circadian alignment, potentially leading to mood dysregulation and decreased psychological resilience. Conversely, eating in sync with the body’s natural circadian rhythms appears to support mental health, with regular meal timing shown to enhance mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. The review also highlights the importance of specific nutrients in promoting stable circadian cycles, suggesting that diets rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and certain vitamins may aid in stabilizing mood. These findings underscore the need for an integrative approach to nutrition and mental health that considers both the timing and composition of meals. This review provides valuable insights into the emerging field of chrononutrition, emphasizing the potential of circadian-aligned eating as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for mental health. Further qualitative studies are recommended to explore individualized chrononutrition interventions and their effects on mental well-being across diverse populations.

The Relationship between Dietary Habits and Type 2 Diabetes for Contribution to Health Promotion: Literature Review

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition largely influenced by dietary habits and eating behaviors. Poor dietary choices, such as high consumption of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and low intake of fiber, are well-established risk factors for the development of T2DM. The promotion of healthy eating behaviours and active lifestyles is essential to address the increasing prevalence of T2DM and improve public health. Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of various dietary patterns and specific food intakes on the risk of T2DM, as well as the role of meal timing and dietary quality in influencing blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Method: This research employs a literature review method by analyzing several relevant studies. The articles were sourced from Scopus and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "feeding behavior," "eating behavior," "feeding patterns," "food habits," "dietary habits," and "type 2 Diabetes," "diabetes Type 2," "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "diabetes mellitus type 2," and "T2DM." Result: The results of the article search revealed 13 articles from 2019-2024 that matched the criteria set. The results showed that Eating habits have a significant effect on the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Poor food choices and irregular eating patterns increase the risk. Conclusion: The paper highlights the significant impact of dietary habits and eating behaviors on the development and progression of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It emphasises the importance of healthy food choices and regular eating patterns in managing blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. These insights could contribute to designing an effective health promotion program.

Association between mealtime distribution of macronutrient and mental health in apparently healthy Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Mental health (MH) disorders are one of the most prevalent global public health issues for a significant portion of the population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the mealtime distribution of macronutrients and MH in Iranian adults. We used a convenience sampling technique to perform this cross-sectional study. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess the MH outcome. Dietary consumption was assessed using multiple 24-hour dietary recalls. The coefficient of variation (CV) was then used to compute the macronutrient distribution at mealtime. In all, 54.6%, 53.9%, and 56.6% were classified as having anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, respectively. The CV scores for carbohydrate were relatively evenly distributed across all meal times, with a mean of 0.38, 0.38, and 0.39 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, respectively. We observed no significant association between the mealtime distribution of carbohydrates and mental health indices in any of the analyzed models. However, a more skewed distribution of protein intake towards dinner (i.e. a higher protein CV value) was positively associated with anxiety (OR: 1.69; CI: 1.02-2.78) and stress symptoms (OR: 1.93; CI: 1.17-3.16). We also observed a significant association between fat distribution and depression symptoms, with subjects in tertile 2 having higher odds of depression compared to T1 (OR: 1.63; CI: 1.00-2.63). In conclusion, a skewed distribution of protein and fat intake may be associated with mental health problems. Future studies are warranted to validate these findings and gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

The construction of linguistic identities in talk about food among Tibetan heritage language learners

ABSTRACT This ethnographic article examines the interactional processes through which Tibetan-Canadian heritage language learners agentively construct their linguistic identities in everyday family interactions. Because food is centrally involved in family routines, as well as broader cultural practices and the articulation of individual tastes, talk about food provides a site for analyzing negotiations of individual agency amid expressions of shared identity. Drawing from previous language socialisation scholarship that approaches family meal times as a resource for constructing identity, this paper analyzes children’s conversations at meal-times, during food preparation, and about food preferences. Through interactional analysis of twelve months of longitudinal video ethnography in two Tibetan-Canadian families, I found that, in these activities centered on food, children used multilingual and multimodal resources to negotiate authority over their cultural and linguistic knowledge. Specifically, children agentively displayed their knowledge of Tibetan language forms, elaborated on their capacities to participate in cultural activities, and instructed parents about their individual preferences. By analyzing these interactional displays of knowledge through the concepts of agency and co-operative action, I argue that children construct their identities as speakers of Tibetan, despite the dominance of English in their language repertoires.

Meal Timing and Anthropometric and Metabolic Outcomes

Meal timing strategies, such as time-restricted eating (TRE), reducing meal frequency, or altering calorie distribution across the day, have gained interest for their potential to enhance weight loss and metabolic health, particularly in managing chronic diseases, yet their long-term benefits are not known. To evaluate the association between meal timing strategies (≥12 weeks) and anthropometric and metabolic indicators. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to October 17, 2023. Randomized clinical trials, regardless of language and publication date, involving adults 18 years and older, evaluating within-day meal timing patterns for 12 or more weeks, and reporting anthropometric measures were included. Studies were excluded if participants had eating disorders, prior significant weight change, underwent bariatric surgery, were pregnant, or if controlled variables differed between groups. Study quality was determined via Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Data were extracted independently by multiple reviewers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were used. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model on pooled continuous outcomes with 2 or more studies. Weight change in kilograms, reported as between-group mean difference with 95% CIs. Sixty-nine reports of 29 randomized clinical trials including 2485 individuals (1703 [69%] female; mean [SD] age, 44 [9.5] years; and mean [SD] body mass index, 33 [3.5]) were included. Study interventions included TRE (17 studies), meal frequency (8 studies), and calorie distribution (4 studies). There were some concerns of risk of bias for 7 studies and high concerns for 22 studies. Statistically significant weight change was observed in TRE when compared with control (-1.37 kg; 95% CI, -1.99 to -0.75 kg). Lower meal frequency and earlier caloric distribution were also both associated with greater change (-1.85 kg; 95% CI, -3.55 to -0.13 kg; and -1.75 kg; 95% CI, -2.37 to -1.13 kg, respectively). The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that TRE, lower meal frequency, and earlier caloric distribution in the day may reduce weight compared with standard care and/or nutritional advice; however, the effect sizes found were small and of uncertain clinical importance. High heterogeneity and risk of bias among included studies led to concerns about the certainty of the underpinning evidence. Further research, including trials with larger sample sizes, standardized interventions with prescribed or matched energy intake, and longer follow-up, are needed.

Circadian nutrition: is meal timing an elixir for fatigue?

Circadian nutrition: is meal timing an elixir for fatigue?

Chronic mistimed feeding results in renal fibrosis and disrupted circadian blood pressure rhythms.

Circadian disruption is a disturbance in biological timing, which can occur within or between different organizational levels, ranging from molecular rhythms within specific cells to the misalignment of behavioral and environmental cycles. Previous work from our group showed that less than 1 wk of food restriction to the light (inactive) period is sufficient to invert diurnal blood pressure rhythms in mice. However, kidney excretory rhythms and functions remained aligned with the light-dark cycle. Shift workers have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease that may different between sexes and often have irregular mealtimes, making the possibility of mistimed feeding as a potential contributor to the development of kidney disease. Thus, we hypothesized that chronic mistimed food intake would result in adverse cardiorenal effects, with sex differences in severity. Here, we show that chronic circadian disruption via mistimed feeding results in renal fibrosis and aortic stiffness in a sex-dependent manner. Our results indicate the importance of meal timing for the maintenance of blood pressure rhythms and kidney function, particularly in males. Our results also demonstrate that females are better able to acclimate to circadian-related behavioral change. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Circadian disruption through mistimed feeding resulted in nondipping blood pressure, renal fibrosis, and arterial stiffness that were less severe in females versus males. Mice fed exclusively during the daytime maintain their circadian rhythms of locomotor activity regardless of their loss of blood pressure rhythms. Although these mice ate less food, they maintained body weight, suggesting inefficiencies in overall metabolism. These findings demonstrate the importance of maintaining optimal food intake patterns to prevent cardiorenal pathophysiology.

Meal Timing Interventions for Weight Loss and Metabolic Health—What Does the Evidence Tell Us So Far?

Meal Timing Interventions for Weight Loss and Metabolic Health—What Does the Evidence Tell Us So Far?