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

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Chrono-nutrition
• meal timing
• weight loss
• obesity
• temporal eating pattern

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the participants involved in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study has been funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia FRGS/1/2018/SKK06/UKM/02/3.