Eating irregularly has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, according to a recent review of studies. The increase of shift work and social jet lags have forced a number of people to adapt irregular eating patterns.
Published in the journal Proceedings of he Nutrition Society, two papers examined different eating habits along with several dietary studies. The results showed that eating inconsistently could affect a person's internal body clock or circadian rhythm, which follows a 24-hour cycle.
Scientists from Newcastle University, the University of Surrey and King's College London claim that plenty of studies have shown that people who work in shifts have a greater risk for cancer, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. Since most metabolic process in the body follow a circadian pattern such as appetite, digestion, cholesterol, glucose and the breaking down of fat, food intake can influence a person's internal clock. Similarly, irregular eating can lead to a great number of daily meals, which has eventually been linked to obesity.
The study has become increasingly important due to the increase of shift work and social jet lag, according to Daily Mail. Many workers have started the habit of skipping more meals either irregularly or later in the day due to work shifts.
In addition, people working shifts are also forced to consume food outside their homes. The changes in dietary patterns have been found to increase the risk of several diseases.
Social jet lags, on the other hand, have been found to affect more than 80 percent of Europeans. The difference between internal body clocks and social body clocks have not only been linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome, also short periods of sleep have been associated with weight gain.
While small but frequent meals have been known to regulate appetite and weight, not the same can be said in consuming a greater number of daily meals. Without reduced calorie intake, fewer meals do not offer many health benefits, according to Science Daily.
Most dietary guidelines focus on what people should eat and not when they should eat over the course of a day. However, researchers were quick to claim that more studies were needed to better understand the impact of the timing of eating on public health.
