Circadian rhythm of energy intake and corpulence status in adults.

The relationship between circadian distribution of energy intake and corpulence was studied in 1312 subjects seeking medical advice for their weight. The corpulence categories (non-obese, mildly obese and massively obese) were defined on the basis of NHANES II. Food consumption was assessed through the dietary history method. The 24 h energy intake increased with corpulence. The lunch represented higher (P less than 0.001) proportions of daily intake in mildly and in massively obese than in non-obese. The reverse occurred for the breakfast (P less than 0.001). The relationships of corpulence with breakfast and lunch persisted after adjustment for nutrient intake. No difference was found for dinner and extra-prandial food intake. Such data suggests several behavioural and/or metabolic hypothesis.