The time of eating has been considered to have an important role in weight regulation. However, it is unknown if there are specific daily patterns of energy and macronutrient distribution that could be more beneficial for metabolic outcomes, especially obesity. This study aimed to assess the effect of time-of-day energy and macronutrient intake at 4 y of age on the weight status at 7 y of age. The study sample included 1961 children from the population-based birth cohort Generation XXI, with data on 3-day food diaries at 4 y and body mass index (BMI) z-scores at 7 y. Dietary patterns based on the collected data were obtained for the distribution of energy and macronutrients across eating occasions. Having a relatively higher energy intake at lunch and supper (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.34) or at mid-afternoon (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.34) at 4 y was associated with higher odds of becoming overweight/obese at 7 y. A relatively higher intake of fat at lunch was positively associated with later children's odds for being overweight or obese (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.32). These associations were independent of the effect on children's eating behaviors related to appetite. Our results also show a detrimental relation between skipping breakfast and eating late in the day and children's body weight. Considering all daily eating occasions, a higher proportion of energy and macronutrient intake at the main meals and a lower proportion during the afternoon and evening seems to be more beneficial for children's weight. These results emphasize the important role of daily food intake rhythm on excessive weight gain in childhood.

中文翻译：

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计时营养：一天中的能量和大量营养素摄入与儿童体重状况之间的关系。

人们认为进食时间在体重调节中具有重要作用。但是，尚不清楚是否存在特定的每日能量和大量营养素分布模式，这些模式对代谢结果（尤其是肥胖）更有利。这项研究旨在评估在4岁时的每日能量和大量营养素摄入对7岁时体重状态的影响。该研究样本包括1961年基于人口的第二十一代出生队列的儿童，其3天食物日记的数据为4年，体重指数（BMI）z评分的数据为7年。根据收集到的数据获得饮食模式，以了解饮食中能量和大量营养素的分布情况。午餐和晚餐（OR = 1.19，95％CI = 1.05至1.34）或下午中午（OR = 1.18，95％CI = 1.05至1。34）在4岁时与7岁时超重/肥胖的可能性更高。午餐时摄入相对较高的脂肪与后来的孩子超重或肥胖的可能性呈正相关（OR = 1.17，95％CI = 1.03至1.32）。这些关联独立于对儿童食欲相关的饮食行为的影响。我们的研究结果还表明，不吃早餐和一天晚上吃东西与儿童体重之间存在有害关系。考虑到所有日常饮食场合，主餐中能量和大量营养素的摄入比例较高，而下午和晚上的比例较低，这似乎对儿童的体重更有益。这些结果强调了每日饮食摄入节律对儿童过度增重的重要作用。