The Role of Chronotype on Body Composition, Eating Habits and Cardiometabolic Risk Parameters in a Sample of Overweight/Obese Subjects ^†

Abstract

Background and objectives: In recent years, the role of chronotype in obesity has been hypothesised, as subjects with an evening chronotype showed worse eating habits. However, the results are still limited and conflicting. The aim of the study is therefore to assess differences in body composition, eating habits and cardiometabolic parameters according to chronotype in a sample of overweight/obese subjects. Methods: Overweight/obese subjects (BMI > 25 kg/m²) aged 18–65 years were recruited at the Clinical Nutrition Unit of Careggi University Hospital, Florence, from March to April 2023. The chronotype was defined through the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Each participant underwent a body composition and a blood sampling. Information on eating habits was collected with a food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day food diary. Results: The study population consisted of 51 overweight/obese subjects (71% women; 29% men) with a mean age of 50.3 ± 13.5 years and a mean BMI of 29.4 ± 4.3. Based on the MEQ score, 13 participants had an evening chronotype (26%) and 38 (74%) a morning chronotype. No significant differences in weight and body composition according to chronotype were observed. However, differences emerged for eating habits, with a significantly (p < 0.05) higher number of evening subjects reported to consume sweets, soft drinks and fast food. Analysis of the food diaries showed that evening subjects had a significantly higher intake of daily calories (1867.6 ± 434. vs. 1612.2 ± 538.5 kcal/day), fat (78.2 ± 20.9 vs. 65.4 ± 23.8 g/day) and carbohydrates (226.1 ± 47.5 vs. 186.3 ± 77.6 g/day). The analysis of cardiometabolic risk circulating parameters showed that evening subjects had significantly lower folate values (4.69 ± 2.1 vs. 8.25 ± 6.36 ng/mL) than morning subjects, as well as significantly lower vitamin B12 values (349.6 ± 132.3 vs. 445.5 ± 144.5 pg/mL). Discussion: Evening subjects had worse eating habits and a higher intake of total daily calories, fat and carbohydrates, and also reported significantly lower values of folic acid and vitamin B12.