The association between the timing of energy intake and the risk of overweight and obesity among Saudi female university students

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the timing of energy intake and obesity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2018 and December 2018. A total of 450 Saudi female students from the University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia were recruited. A 4-day dietary record was used to estimate the total energy intake per day and per meal. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index. RESULTS: The study showed a significant negative association between obesity and energy intake at breakfast (r = -0.70, p<0.05) and mid-morning (r = -0.53, p<0.05) as well as a significant positive association between obesity and energy intake at dinner (r = 0.85, p<0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference between the obese and normal weight groups in the total energy intake per day or the total percentage of energy from fat, carbohydrate, and protein per day. However, the total energy intake for each meal and the percentage of energy from fat, carbohydrate, and protein per meal were significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: The greater intake of energy at dinner was positively associated with obesity, while greater energy intake at breakfast were negatively associated with overweight and obesity.