Just one habit can cost several years of life — study
A study of 31,044 people found a link between the timing of the first meal of the day and life expectancy. Those who started eating after noon had a 29% higher risk of death from any cause and a 46% higher risk from cardiovascular disease. At age 50, their life expectancy was 2.46 years shorter.
A study involving 31,044 US residents aged 40 and older found a statistical association between the timing of the first meal and life expectancy. Researchers analyzed dietary and mortality data over a median follow-up period of 8.6 years, during which 7,129 participants died, including 2,259 from cardiovascular disease. The reference group was people who first ate between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. The risk of death from any cause was 10% higher for those who started eating between 8:00 and 10:00 AM, 19% higher for 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 29% higher after 12:00 PM. The risk of death from cardiovascular disease was 46% higher for those who did not eat before noon. At age 50, life expectancy for those who started eating after noon was on average 2.46 years shorter. The study found no simple relationship with dinner timing. The authors emphasize that the work identified a correlation, not a causal link, and that other lifestyle factors may have influenced the results. The findings were published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.