The timing of the evening meal: how is this associated with weight status in UK children?

Analysis of dietary data from 1,620 children indicates no association between evening meal timing and obesity risk.

• Eating the evening meal after 20:00 hours was not linked to an increased risk of obesity in children aged 4-10 years or 11-18 years.
• No significant associations were observed between evening meal timing and the combined risk of overweight and obesity.
• In the younger age group (4-10 years), the odds ratios for obesity and combined overweight/obesity were 1.43 and 1.33, respectively, indicating no clear risk.
• In the older age group (11-18 years), odds ratios for obesity and combined overweight/obesity were 0.50 and 0.83, respectively, showing no significant risk.
• Evening meal timing did not show a significant relationship with overall energy intake or nutrient variation in children.

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