Effect of chronotype on nutritional status and eating behaviors among university students of Pakistan

Chronotype reflects individual differences in circadian rhythm-related behaviors, including food consumption and sleep pattern. University students often follow irregular schedules, increasing the risk of unhealthy eating behaviors and obesity. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine chronotype prevalence and its association with eating behaviors and nutritional status among Pakistani university students. Chronotype was assessed using the Morningness Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Eating behavior was evaluated using a 3-d dietary recall, while anthropometry, physical activity (IPAQ), and sleep habits were also recorded. Pearson chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation was applied. Among 345 students, 63.2% were males and 36.8% were females, with chronotype distributed as 57.1% intermediate, 26.4% morning, and 16.5% evening. Evening chronotypes exhibited unhealthy eating behaviors including meal skipping, delayed meal timings, unhealthy snacking and the lowest breakfast energy (p ≤ 0.05). Morning chronotypes showed a higher intake of fruit and milk, whereas evening chronotypes, particularly males had lower intake of fiber, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus (p ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant association between chronotype and nutritional status (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, chronotype influenced students' eating behaviors, highlighting the need to consider circadian preferences when promoting healthy dietary habits and long-term metabolic health.