O Impacto da janela alimentar e do JET LAG alimentar no estado nutricional de adultos: um estudo transversal

Abstract

The misalignment between circadian rhythms and meal timing may compromise metabolic health, favoring changes in nutritional status. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between eating window and eating jet lag with the nutritional status of adults, as well as to describe variables associated with eating midpoint, morning and evening latency, and eating misalignments. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with adults aged 20 to 59 years, of both sexes, residing in Brazil. Pregnant and lactating women, individuals under continuous use of medications capable of altering the sleep–wake cycle, and those with self-reported chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemias) were excluded. Data collection was carried out through a self-administered electronic questionnaire, including sociodemographic, behavioral, and dietary information. The variables analyzed comprised eating window, eating midpoint, eating jet lag, morning and evening latency, misalignments, and body mass index (BMI). Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software, with a significance level of 5%. A total of 186 responses were obtained; the median age was 25 years, with a predominance of women (60.8%) and students (48.9%). It was found that 39.8% of participants were overweight, being older compared to eutrophic individuals (p = 0.037). The eating window and morning latency were longer on weekdays, while evening latency was higher on weekends among overweight individuals. Most participants presented an eating jet lag ≤ 1 hour (54.8%). No significant associations were observed between eating window and eating jet lag with nutritional status (p > 0.05). In conclusion, in the studied population, although significant variations were observed in eating patterns between weekdays and weekends, such parameters were not related to nutritional status.