The relationship between fat preferences and body mass indexes according to chronotypes of adults who applied to a counseling office

Chronotype is the preferred circadian rhythm timing in individuals' daily activities, physiological functions, and sleep-wake cycle, and individuals are classified as morning, intermediate, and evening types. Individuals' chronotypes affect their eating behaviors and food preferences. Excessive amounts and unhealthy types of fat preference play a role in increasing the risk of obesity. The aim of this cross-sectional and descriptive study is to examine the relationship between fat preferences, fat consumption restrictions, and body mass indexes of adult individuals with different chronotypes. It was carried out with 100 female participants aged 18 and over who applied to the Dietician Adviye Mutlu Nutrition and Diet Consultancy Office in Edirne between February 2023 and July 2023. Individuals under 18 years of age, pregnant, and with metabolic diseases were excluded from the study. Data were obtained using a form including the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Fat Preference Questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and sociodemographic characteristics. As a result of the research, no significant relationship was found between chronotype, body mass index (BMI), and fat preferences. Fat restrictions were found to be higher in intermediate chronotypes who were non-smokers and had been on a diet before. The fat consumption frequency of individuals with a morning chronotype who exercised was found to be lower. It has been observed that individuals with a morning person chronotype and low-risk waist circumference have lower fat restrictions. Further studies with individuals with different chronotypes will help to understand the relationship between fat preference and chronotype.