Greater morning latency jetlag is associated with higher BMI z-score and waist-to-height ratio in preschool children with high social jetlag
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, IQR 17), 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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Greater morning latency jetlag is associated with higher BMI z-score and waist-to-height ratio in preschool children with high social jetlag The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Greater morning latency jetlag is associated with higher BMI z-score and waist-to-height ratio in preschool children with high social jetlag
This conclusion is most relevant to: Preschool children aged 3-6 years (48% girls) from the cross-sectional DAGIS study in Finland.
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 (morning latency jetlag) are assessed
- ▸High social jetlag indicates greater sleep timing variability
- ▸Interaction between eating jetlag and social jetlag may disrupt circadian alignment
- ▸Result: Higher morning latency jetlag associated with increased adiposity in children with high social jetlag
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Preschool children aged 3-6 years (48% girls) from the cross-sectional DAGIS study in Finland
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.
What is social jetlag?▼
Social jetlag is the variation in sleep timing between weekdays and weekends, reflecting a mismatch between biological and social clocks.
Was eating jetlag associated with adiposity in all children?▼
No, no associations were found in the full sample; the effect was only observed in children with high social jetlag.
What is morning latency jetlag?▼
Morning latency jetlag is the difference in the timing of the first eating occasion between weekdays and weekends.
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