A recent study published in the Journal Proceedings of the Nutrition Society examined two papers about different eating habits along with other corresponding dietary studies. The study findings suggest that eating erratically could affect a person's internal body clock, also known as circadian rhythms, which follows a 24-hour cycle.
Scientists from University of Surrey, King's College London and Newcastle University claim that there have been plenty of research that reveals how people who work in shifts have higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and metabolic syndrome. Since the metabolic process follows our body's circadian pattern, such as appetite, digestion, cholesterol, glucose and breakdown of fat, consumption of food can play a huge role in affecting a person's body clock. At the same time, eating at irregular intervals can also lead to increased number of meals, which is a leading cause of obesity.
This study gained a lot of prominence due to the work-shift culture that is causing havoc to people's internal body patterns. Since people work in shifts, they have started skipping their meals and thus affecting their overall health. Moreover, the people who work in shifts are also forced to eat more outside, also a leading cause of several diseases due to altered eating patterns.
Meanwhile, another aspect that is affecting most people's health is social jet lag. More than 80% Europeans are seemingly affected by this phenomenon. The difference between internal body clock and the social body clock has been linked to metabolic syndrome and obesity.
Study says that small but frequent meals keeps the appetite in check and thus helps one in maintaining weight. However, the objective of fewer meals is to also limit the calorie intake as well. Fewer meals alone will not have the similar health benefits.
Researchers recommend that rather than focusing what to eat, that most dietary guidelines insist on, it is important to focus on when to eat.
