Unravelling the Links Between Chronotype, Body Mass Index, and Self-Regulatory Eating Behavior: Preliminary Insights from an Urban Kolkata Study

Background: The rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles in India have led to an increase in obesity and metabolic disorders. Variations in chronotype can affect metabolic health and eating habits; however, there is a scarcity of research examining their relationship with body mass index (BMI) and self-regulatory eating behavior (SREB) within Indian populations. This study aims to investigate these associations in a cohort from urban Kolkata. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed involving 156 adults aged 18 to 60 years in West Bengal. The reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) was used to determine chronotype, whereas the Self-Regulation of Eating Behavior Questionnaire (SREBQ) was applied to assess self-regulation of eating behavior (SREB). Body Mass Index (BMI) was categorized into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. To investigate the associations between chronotype, BMI, and SREB, chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: The distribution of chronotypes was as follows: morning (31%), intermediate (45%), and evening (24%). No significant correlation was identified between chronotype and BMI (p = 0.34). Evening chronotypes displayed lower SREB compared to morning and intermediate types; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.17). Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with intermediate chronotypes had significantly greater odds of exhibiting self-regulation compared to those with evening chronotypes (OR: 7.77, p = 0.005). Participants with postgraduate education showed improved SREB (p = 0.037). Conclusion: Individuals with intermediate chronotypes demonstrate superior self-regulation in eating behaviors compared to those with evening chronotypes, underscoring the importance of circadian alignment in dietary practices. No direct association was established between chronotype and BMI, indicating a need for further longitudinal research to inform targeted dietary interventions. Keywords: Chronotype, Self-Regulation, Eating Behavior, BMI, Circadian Rhythm, Public Health.