Chronotype, Eating Habits, and Body Mass Index in First-Year Undergraduate Medical Program Students

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the correlation between chronotype and body mass index (BMI) in medical students, mediated by energy intake, and to explore eating habits. There were 46 participants who completed Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and Chrononutrition-Profile Questionnaire in the Indonesia version and a 3 days of 24-hour food record. Participants’ weight and height were measured by microtoise and digital body weight scale. Additionally, univariate and correlation analyses were conducted to identify the correlation of the variables. The study found no significant difference in the correlation between chronotype preference and BMI, chronotype preference and energy intake, and BMI and energy intake. Medical students had a habit of eating breakfast, even skipping breakfast, having dinner later, consuming the highest energy at lunchtime, and consuming high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods at night. The study revealed no significant correlation between chronotype, eating habits, and BMI. However, the eveningness medical students have bad eating habits.