Night eating, weight, and health behaviors in adults participating in the Daily24 study

Night eating syndrome (NES) is associated with adverse health outcomes. This study evaluated the relationship between night eating severity, weight, and health behaviors.

Participants (N = 1017; 77.6% female, mean Body Mass Index (BMI) = 30.5, SD = 7.8 kg/m², age = 51.1, SD = 15.0 years) were recruited from three health systems. Participants completed the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) and questionnaires assessing sleep, chronotype, physical activity, diet, weight, and napping.

In the overall sample, higher NEQ scores were associated with higher BMI (p < .001) and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (p < .001), as well as lower fruit/vegetable consumption (p = .001). Higher NEQ scores were associated with increased odds of having overweight/obesity (p < .001), eating fast food (p < .001), moderate-vigorous physical activity (p = .005), and smoking (p = .004). Participants who exceeded the screening threshold for NES (n = 48, 4.7%) reported elevated BMI (p = .014), an increased likelihood of overweight/obesity (p = .004), greater sugar-sweetened beverages consumption (p < .001), napping less than twice per week (p = .029), shorter sleep duration (p = .012), and a later chronotype (M = 4:55, SD = 2:45).

Night eating severity was associated with obesity and intake of fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages. Interventions to address night eating and associated behaviors may enhance the efficacy of weight management interventions and promote engagement in positive health behaviors.