Nutrition journalFeb 28, 2025

Evening eating linked to energy, nutrient quality, and obesity in US adults

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Updated Apr 5, 2026

Abstract

Participants in the highest quartile of energy intake at dinner were associated with a 27% increased odds of compared to those in the lowest quartile.

Higher energy and macronutrient intake at dinner is linked to increased odds of morbid obesity.
Fat intake at dinner, including both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, is associated with higher obesity risk.
The highest quartile of low-quality carbohydrate intake at dinner is related to increased odds of abdominal obesity.
Low-quality carbohydrate intake is positively correlated with higher body mass index (BMI).
Consumption of certain foods, such as added sugars and starchy vegetables, is associated with obesity.

Simplified

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the associations between evening eating and quality of energy and macronutrients and obesity among U.S. adults.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study adopted the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2016), which involved a total of 27,911 participants. The differences in the ratios of energy and macronutrients with it is subgroups at dinner versus breakfast (ΔRatio) were categorized into quartiles. The differences in the consumption of 17 types of food at dinner versus breakfast (ΔFoods) were considered as continuous variables. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used to define general obesity (30.0 ≤ BMI < 40.0), (BMI ≥ 40.0), and abdominal obesity (WC > 102 cm for men or WC > 88 cm for women). Multiple logistic and linear regression models were developed.

RESULTS: After a variety of covariates were adjusted, participants in the highest quartile (higher energy/macronutrient intake at dinner than breakfast) of the ΔRatio in terms of energy were positively associated with morbid obesity compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR1.27; 95% CI 1.01;1.61) from fat (OR1.27, 95% CI 1.01;1.60); saturated fatty acids(OR1.27, 95% CI 1.01;1.59) and unsaturated fatty acids (OR1.28, 95% CI 1.02;1.5). The highest quartile of the ΔRatio of was associated with increased odds of abdominal obesity (OR1.16; 95%CI 1.03-1.31). Moreover, the ΔRatio of low-quality carbohydrates was significantly positively associated with BMI (coefficient: 0.562, 95% CI: 0.217-0.907). ΔFoods, including whole fruits, other starchy vegetables, added sugars, poultry, dairy, and nuts, were positively associated with obesity. ΔRatio of energy ΔRatio of fat ΔRatio of SFA ΔRatio of USFA ΔRatio of low-quality carbohydrates

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, with this nationally representative sample of U.S adults, this study demonstrated that excessive intake of energy at dinner than breakfast during a day was associated with a greater risk of obesity, mainly from low-quality carbohydrates, fat, SFAs, and USFA. This study emphasized the importance of diet quality and evening eating in the prevention of obesity.

Key numbers

1.27

Increase in Odds of

Odds Ratio for in highest vs. lowest quartile of energy intake at dinner.

1.16

Increase in Odds of Abdominal Obesity

Odds Ratio for abdominal obesity associated with high low-quality carbohydrate intake.

0.562

Positive Association with BMI

Coefficient indicating the relationship between low-quality carbohydrate intake and BMI.

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Evening eating linked to energy, nutrient quality, and obesity in US adults

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