This is a brief summary of the research study: Human glucose rhythms and subjective hunger anticipate meal timing
Isherwood et al., 2023, Current Biology 33, 1–6 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.02.005
The Yolk
How did the study measure meal time anticipation?
- Study design
- 24 males
- 8 days in a controlled environment
- Sleep and wake cycle
- Light and dark
- Food and meal times
- 2 groups
- Hourly small meals each day
- 2 large meals each day
- Measurements
What were the results?
- Glucose
- Both groups had increased glucose in the AM
- Both groups had same average glucose throughout day but came in different levels:
- 2 large meal group
- Glucose decreased after AM rise and before each meal
- Glucose increased after meals, more so after second meal
- Hourly small meals group
- Glucose rose throughout the day
- Melatonin
- No difference between small and large meal groups
- Hunger
- In large meal group, hunger increased before meal times
Study Considerations
- Limitations
- Only male participants, with apparent difficulty performing many blood draws on females
- Small number of subjects (24)
- Prior diet could influence results
- Benefits
- Well controlled experiment
Perspective
- While the study is well controlled, it cannot predict the realistic nature of lives and expand to other genders, ages, and situations
- But not snacking throughout day and eating earlier in the day and less frequently have been shown to be effective methods for weight control and health
- Having a good sleep and wake cycle with proper light and dark times may make it easier to control appetite and glucose
- Including eating during the day, and not at nighttime
- Other factors to consider about hunger
- Exercise, stress, and different food types will change hunger and glucose levels throughout the day
Research & Resources
