Khaberni - A recent scientific study revealed that the secret to maintaining a healthy weight is not only linked to the quality of food, but also to the timing of eating it, indicating that following simple habits like prolonging the nightly fasting period and eating breakfast early could significantly reduce body mass index.
The study was conducted by researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, where data from more than 7,000 people aged between 40 and 65 years were analyzed over five years.
Timing of eating is a key factor
The results showed that people who dine early and make sure to breakfast early, which extends their fasting period during the night, were more able to maintain a lower weight compared to others.
The researchers believe that these habits align with what is known as the "biological clock," which is the internal system that regulates the rhythms of sleep, waking, and various body functions. Eating early enhances the body's ability to burn calories and regulate appetite, in alignment with biological processes like insulin secretion and fat storage.
Is skipping breakfast beneficial?
In contrast, the study highlighted the popularity of intermittent fasting, especially among those who skip breakfast. However, the results showed that this method, particularly for men who do not eat until after noon, had no clear effect on long-term weight loss.
The researchers emphasized that reducing calorie intake remains an important factor, but the timing of meals may be more impactful than simply omitting a complete meal.
The study showed that eating at close intervals during the day is associated with an increase in body mass index, while the positive effect of eating early was more pronounced in women before menopause.
The results also indicated that advancing the dinner time and prolonging the nightly fasting period is more effective than skipping breakfast. These findings fall within the field of chrononutrition, which focuses on the relationship between the timing of eating and body health.
Although the study indicates a correlational relationship and not a direct causality, it reinforces the idea that aligning with the body's natural rhythm may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain a healthy weight.
