Early risers nudge night owls on metabolic health - study
A new study suggests that 'night owls' face higher risks of metabolic health issues compared to 'early birds' due to late-night snacking habits. While caloric intake may be similar, the timing of food consumption significantly impacts body mass index and blood sugar markers.
Why it matters
Understanding the link between circadian rhythms and metabolic health can help individuals improve their long-term health outcomes through better dietary timing.
<p>The early bird might get the worm but night owls are paying the price for late-night snacking, a new study suggests. </p> <p>The study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition in July, analysed data from 287 healthy European and Pacific women in New Zealand aged 18 to 45.</p> <p>It compared health indicators among people with morning and evening chronotypes, often referred to as early birds and night owls, over five days. </p> <p>While participants tended to consume the same amount of calories, eating patterns and timing differed reliably between the two groups. </p> <p>Morning types consumed more of their daily energy between 3am and 10am while evening types ate more between 8pm and 3am.
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