Researchers at the University of Surrey are researching how the time of day a person eats may reduce the risk of obesity, and cholesterol levels associated with type 2 diabetes. The 10-week study led by Dr. Denise Robertson will study 51 participants between the ages of 18-65 who have a risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The participants have been broken into 3 groups:
- A control group
- Group eating between 7 A.M. and 3 P.M.
- Group eating between 12 P.M. and 8 P.M.
The groups will be interviewed to determine if these time changes influence their eating habits. Their friends and families will also be interviewed.
Why is this study important?
Presently, type 2 diabetes diagnoses are not declining. The CDC reports that over 34 million Americans have diabetes (around 1 in 10) and approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes. “Changing our mealtimes limits our energy intake to a set number of hours in the day, which leads to an extension of the daily fast that generally happens overnight,” said Jonathan Johnston, Professor of Chronobiology and Integrative Physiology at the University of Surrey. “This study will help us understand what time of day is optimal to eat to reduce our chances of developing Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Johnston.
Are you constantly eating?
Food, be it snacks, fast food, or regular meals, is often available for many men all day long. It is easy to grab a bagel in the morning with coffee, fries, and a burger for lunch, a candy bar snack, and finally 3 pieces of pizza for supper. Before you know it’s bedtime and you didn’t eat anything healthy all day long. Limiting the number of hours that food is available to you may be a good choice if you are dealing with the risk of diabetes. Don’t change your meal plans if you have not discussed them with your medical provider. Follow this study for future results.
