Dietary patterns associated with overweight and obesity among Brazilian schoolchildren: an approach based on the time-of-day of eating events

A population of 1,232 Brazilian schoolchildren showed distinct dietary patterns associated with varying obesity risks.

• Four dietary patterns were identified based on the timing and probability of food intake during daily eating events.
• The largest group (32.3%) had higher food intake probability only at lunch, while 48.6% had lower intake across all events.
• Children with higher food intake at lunch, afternoon, and evening snacks (15.1%) had a mean obesity probability of 12%.
• Those with lower food intake at breakfast and evening snacks, but higher intake at other meals (4.0%), had a mean obesity probability of 11%.
• The group eating a traditional lunch with rice and beans had the lowest mean obesity probability at 6%.

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