Exploring the Impact of Meal Timing on Metabolic Health: A Narrative Review of Recent Findings
Exploring the Impact of Meal Timing on Metabolic Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54393/df.v6i4.193Keywords:
Appetite-Regulating Hormone, Circadian Cycle, Meal Timing, Time-Restricted FeedingAbstract
Lifestyle modification is the frontline therapy for preventing and treating dysmetabolic diseases. Meal timing is a favorable dietary regimen for managing metabolic dysregulation. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of meal timing on metabolic output through the latest scientific findings. Methods: For this narrative review, various information retrieval databases were searched, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Mendeley. Multiple combinations of keywords were used to identify relevant literature, such as “mealtime and metabolism,” “circadian cycle,” “intermittent fasting,” “late eaters and metabolic health,” and “appetite hormones and meal timing.” Recent articles published between 2020 and 2025 in scientific journals were prioritized to provide the most up-to-date evidence. Results: Eating habits such as speed of eating, timing of eating meals, and meal frequency have now gained more attention because of their potential effect on metabolic health. Mismatched circadian rhythms are common in shift workers, social gatherings, eating, jet lag, and those who sleep late at night and wake late in the morning. Various observational research studies report that a greater portion of meals are taken in the latter half of the day, which increases the risk of metabolic diseases. The Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial proved that intermittent fasting, time-restricted feeding, and eating small and frequent meals improve insulin sensitivity and reduce weight. Conclusions: Skipping breakfast or eating late at night has adversely affected hormone regulation. Hence, lifestyle modification according to a circadian cycle result in preventing metabolic disorders.
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