Night owls may have more belly fat, higher blood sugar, poorer lipid profiles: Study
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that 'night owls' are more prone to higher body fat, belly fat, and poorer blood sugar levels compared to early risers. The research indicates that the timing of food intake, rather than the total amount, is a significant factor in metabolic health.
Why it matters
Understanding the link between chronotypes and metabolic health can help individuals make better dietary choices to mitigate obesity and related health risks.
Night owls, who tend to consume foods high in energy, carbohydrates and fats late at night, could be associated with a greater body fat percentage, belly fat, and higher blood sugar and lipids, according to a study.
"Chronotypes influences our preferences for food intake, our behaviours and our metabolism," author Rozanne Kruger, from Griffith University's school of allied health, sport and social work, said.
"Both Morning-types and Evening-types consumed similar amounts of food or energy across the day, but it was the timing of eating that was crucial," Kruger said.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition , looked at 287 European and Pacific New Zealand women aged 18-45 years and assessed if they were morning chronotypes (early bird) or an evening chronotype (night owl).
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