Meal irregularity and cardiometabolic consequences: results from observational and intervention studies

Irregular meal patterns may be associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic risk factors.

• Few studies suggest that irregular meal timing correlates with increased body mass index (BMI) and elevated blood pressure.
• Two randomized controlled trials indicated that regular meal consumption over 2 weeks may lead to lower peak insulin and reduced total and LDL-cholesterol levels in both lean and obese women.
• The evidence supports the idea that inconsistent meal timing could adversely affect cardiometabolic health.
• There is a need for larger studies with detailed dietary assessments to better understand the effects of meal regularity on public health.

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