This project aims to investigate the associations between meal timing, circadian rhythms, and metabolic health outcomes within the UK Biobank cohort. The central research question is whether delayed meal timing- particularly late-night energy intake- is associated with higher prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome and its components (abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance). Secondary analyses will explore the interaction between chronotype, sleep-wake patterns, and dietary timing in relation to cardiometabolic outcomes.
The specific objectives are: (1) to characterize temporal eating patterns and the distribution of energy and macronutrient intake across the day; (2) to evaluate associations between meal timing and metabolic outcomes; (3) to test effect modification by chronotype, physical activity, and socioeconomic factors; and (4) to assess whether meal timing independently predicts metabolic risk beyond total dietary intake and quality.
The scientific rationale is based on the emerging field of chrononutrition, which integrates nutrition and circadian biology. Experimental and observational studies suggest that eating misaligned with endogenous circadian rhythms impairs glucose metabolism, lipid regulation, and hormonal responses, thereby promoting metabolic dysfunction. However, large-scale prospective evidence remains scarce. The UK Biobank provides an unparalleled opportunity to examine these relationships using standardized data on dietary patterns, lifestyle behaviors, and objectively measured health outcomes. Findings from this project will advance the understanding of temporal dietary patterns as modifiable determinants of metabolic health and may inform time-specific nutritional recommendations for disease prevention.
