Eating jetlag is not associated with adiposity in preschool children overall, but among those with high social jetlag, greater morning latency jetlag is associated with higher BMI z-score and waist-to-height ratio.
In a cross-sectional study of 639 Finnish preschoolers (3-6 years), eating jetlag indicators were not associated with adiposity in the full sample. However, among children with high social jetlag (median 62 min), greater morning latency jetlag was associated with higher BMI z-score (β=0.83, 95% CI: 0.19 to 1.46) and higher waist-to-height ratio (β=0.035, 95% CI: 0.013 to 0.058).
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Eating jetlag is not associated with adiposity in preschool children overall, but among those with high social jetlag, greater morning latency jetlag is associated with higher BMI z-score and waist-to-height ratio. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Eating jetlag is not associated with adiposity in preschool children overall, but among those with high social jetlag, greater morning latency jetlag is associated with higher BMI z-score and waist-to-height ratio.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Preschool children aged 3-6 years from the DAGIS study in Finland (48% girls, n=639).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Associations between eating jetlag and adiposity in preschool children, and the moderating roles of social jetlag and chronotype. (European journal of nutrition, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Weekend-weekday differences in eating timing (eating jetlag) are measured
- ▸Social jetlag (sleep timing variability) is assessed via accelerometry
- ▸Interaction between eating jetlag and social jetlag is analyzed
- ▸Among children with high social jetlag, morning latency jetlag is associated with higher adiposity
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Preschool children aged 3-6 years from the DAGIS study in Finland (48% girls, n=639)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ▸Findings require confirmation in longitudinal studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eating jetlag?▼
Eating jetlag refers to the variation in eating times between weekdays and weekends, which may disrupt circadian rhythms and increase obesity risk.
Did eating jetlag affect all children equally?▼
No, eating jetlag was not associated with adiposity in the full sample, but associations varied by social jetlag level.
What is social jetlag?▼
Social jetlag is the variation in sleep timing between weekdays and weekends, measured from accelerometer data in this study.
What was the main finding regarding morning latency jetlag?▼
Among children with high social jetlag, greater morning latency jetlag (delay in first eating occasion on weekends) was associated with higher BMI z-score and waist-to-height ratio.
References
- 1.Maukonen M, Ruokolahti AM, Björkqvist J, Launistola H, Rahkola J, Tillman I, Vepsäläinen H, Ray C, Roos E, Erkkola M, Lehto R. “Associations between eating jetlag and adiposity in preschool children, and the moderating roles of social jetlag and chronotype..” European journal of nutrition, 2026. PMID: 42371120 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-026-04015-6