A 19% rise in mortality risk is linked to eating breakfast later

When you eat matters: later morning meals are associated with a shorter lifespan

According to НВ — Техно: Published: August 20, 20:24

A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has connected meal timing to mortality risk. The data show that postponing breakfast is tied to higher rates of all-cause death and cardiovascular death, while dinner had its lowest modeled risk around 8 p.m. The research team, led by Zhilei Shan of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, stresses that the findings are observational and advises against making drastic dietary changes based on them alone. This line of research is part of a growing focus within lifestyle medicine on how daily eating schedules affect long-term health.

Key findings

The average follow-up period was 8.6 years, during which 7,129 deaths were documented, including 2,259 linked to cardiovascular disease. The main results were:

• Having breakfast at 8–10 a.m. was associated with a 10% higher all-cause mortality risk than having it at 7–8 a.m.
• When the first meal occurred between 10 a.m. and noon, the mortality risk increased by 19%.
• Eating the first meal after noon raised the risk by 29%.

A pattern of eating the first meal later was also tied to a 46% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. This could mean a reduction of 2.46 years in life expectancy at age 50. In addition, finishing dinner before 7 p.m. was associated with a 13% higher mortality risk than dinner between 7 and 8 p.m., while eating after midnight carried a 27% higher risk relative to that same 7–8 p.m. dinner window.

The study underscores meal timing as an important factor for health and life expectancy.

Study authors

These findings may carry significant implications for dietary recommendations, especially when considering lifestyle adjustments meant to promote longevity. Since the results highlight meal timing as a potential contributor to health, doctors, nutritionists, and the general public may look for further investigation in this area to support cardiovascular prevention and overall well-being. Even so, the researchers caution that the data should be interpreted carefully, and no quick changes to eating habits should be made before more evidence is available.

In addition to meal timing, establishing a consistent daily routine has been linked to improved mental health outcomes. Research indicates that maintaining regular schedules can help reduce feelings of pain and depression. Understanding these lifestyle factors is crucial for enhancing overall well-being. To explore this connection further, read about how steady daily habits can alleviate discomfort and sadness.