Association between chronotype and diet in adolescents based on food logs

Eat Behav. 2009 Apr;10(2):115-8. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2009.03.002. Epub 2009 Mar 29.

Abstract

Recent research revealed an association between chronotype and psychological constructs of eating behaviour. Here, we used food logs in adolescents and assessed their chronotype. We found that later bed and rise times were associated with the tendency to drink caffeinated drinks and eat fast food and to consume less dairy products. No relationship existed between chronotype and sweets, vegetables and salad, and meat consumption. These results suggest a healthier lifestyle in morning oriented adolescents (or late chronotypes). Breakfast times differed between weekdays and weekend while lunch and dinner times were similar. Mean breakfast time at the weekend was later in late chronotypes which was a result of later rise times of late chronotypes. The study showed that morning oriented pupils exhibit a healthier and more regular lifestyle.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / physiology*
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Biological Clocks / physiology
  • Child
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Diet Records
  • Eating / physiology*
  • Eating / psychology
  • Energy Intake*
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male