Chronotype and disordered eating indicators: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chronotype, a person's natural timing for sleep and daily activity, has been increasingly linked to eating patterns and obesity risk. However, evidence regarding its association with disordered eating indicators remains inconsistent. We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the association between chronotype and disordered eating indicators in the general population. Fifty-one observational studies were included, with a mean age and BMI of participants ranging from 13.3 to 52.6 years and 19.83-40.60 kg/m². Later chronotype was associated with higher scores in binge-eating (r: 0.39; 95% CI, 0.35, 0.43; p < 0.001; I² = 94.38%, p < 0.001), night-eating (r: 0.21; 95% CI, 0.15, 0.27; p < 0.001; I² = 75.61%, p < 0.001), food addiction (r: 0.17; 95% CI, 0.11, 0.22; p < 0.001; I² = 78.99%, p < 0.001), emotional eating (r: 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03, 0.09; p < 0.001; I² = 41.59%, p = 0.060), uncontrolled eating (r: 0.13; 95% CI, 0.08, 0.18; p < 0.001; I² = 72.84%, p < 0.001), and food craving (r: 0.09; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.12; p < 0.001; I² = 69.97%, p = 0.010). Conversely, later chronotype was associated with lower restrained eating (r: -0.11; 95% CI, -0.15, -0.07; p < 0.001; I² = 0.00%, p = 0.440). Later chronotype is consistently linked to a spectrum of disordered eating indicators among general populations. These outcomes highlight an association between chronotype and disordered eating indicators; however, more longitudinal and randomized controlled trials are needed to establish causality and underlying mechanisms.