Researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health have successfully determined that having an early breakfast, alongside a lengthy overnight fasting period, is associated with a lower body mass. This research findings are detailed on the isbnpa.org platform.
The study involved an examination of data collected from 7,074 individuals aged between 40 and 65. The conclusion drawn is quite distinct: those who consumed their evening meal and breakfast earlier, and maintained a longer period without consuming food overnight, exhibited a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) five years later.
The scientists attribute this observed outcome to the influence of circadian rhythms—the body’s intrinsic biological clock. When food intake occurs earlier in the day, it aligns more favorably with these rhythms, fostering greater efficiency in energy expenditure and better appetite control.
The same analysis also indicated that delaying breakfast and frequently snacking are linked to a higher BMI. This association was particularly pronounced among women who had not yet reached menopause. Interestingly, a subset of men who practiced intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast did not show a significant impact on their body weight.
The experts propose a theory suggesting these findings might also relate to the body’s mechanisms for regulating insulin and fats, though further investigation will be necessary to substantiate this claim.
About the Author
