METHODS: Among 186 participants (M/F = 51/135; aged 22.1 ± 5.0), psychometrics were assessed using Power of Food Scale (PFS), Brief Self-Control Scale, CD Questionnaire (CD-Quest), and WHO-5 Well-being Index. Blood pressures, anthropometrics and body compositions were also measured using standard methods and bioimpedance.
RESULTS: Men had significantly higher well-being, but lower overall self-control, impulsivity and Food Available hedonic hunger. Those with moderate/severe CD had higher odds ratio (OR) of having high central adiposity, compared with those with absent/slight CD (OR: 2.52;95% CI: 1.14, 5.61; p = 0.023 for WC and OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.19, 5.23; p = 0.015 for WHR). Higher CD and PFS scores were strongly significantly correlated with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), WC, WHR, WHtR, BMI, TBF, SF, VFL and RM. Lower self-control was weakly correlated with higher WC, while lower impulsivity and restraint were weakly correlated with higher VFL. Those who were overweight, obese, and in high TBF class had significantly higher PFS Aggregate Factor scores. Food Available and Food Present scores, but not Food Tasted, were also significantly higher among overweight participants.
CONCLUSIONS: Higher hedonic hunger and CD were associated with higher SBP and all adiposity measures. Overweight participants had higher hedonic hunger in the context of ready availability and physical presence of highly palatable foods. Lower self-control was weakly correlated with higher central adiposity; lower impulsivity and restraint were weakly correlated with higher visceral adiposity. These findings have provided some insights into the cognitive factors underlying adiposity.
METHODS: A total of 167 participants were recruited (male/female = 46/121; aged 22.0 ± 5.2). Chronotype was assessed via reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ). Participants tracked their sleep behaviors using an activity wristband (Xiaomi® Mi Smart Band 5), and recorded their smartphone screen time usage. Psychometric measures - WHO-5 Well-being Index, Cognitive Distortion Questionnaire (CDQUEST), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18, Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), and Power of Food Scale. Blood pressures (BP), anthropometrics, and body composition like high waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat level (VFL) were also measured.
RESULTS: Men and women did not differ significantly in terms of chronotype and sleep behaviors, except Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Longer weekday total and deep sleeps significantly correlated with better WHO-5 well-being scores, while longer weekend time awake during sleep significantly correlated with greater cognitive distortion (higher CDQUEST scores). Longer average deep sleep significantly correlated with lower Cognitive Restraint (CR) but higher Food Available scores. Higher rMEQ scores (indicating morningness) significantly correlated with better WHO-5 well-being, BSCS Total and Restraint scores; and significantly correlated with decreased systolic and diastolic BP specifically among men. Evening-type participants had up to six-fold higher risk of becoming obese, and having high WC, WHR, and VFL; however, the significance was abolished after adjustment for socio-demographics. Indeed, WC, weight, WHtR, BMI, VFL, and resting metabolism were significantly higher among evening-types by analysis of covariance. BSCS Total and Impulsivity scores were significantly higher among neither-types. Lifestyle factors and smartphone screen time were not associated with chronotype or sleep behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS: Although chronotype and sleep behaviors did not differ between sexes, those with a morning chronotype had lower overall, central and visceral adiposity, better well-being and self-control. Those with good sleep behaviors also had better well-being, eating and appetitive behaviors. In conclusion, this study supports the continuous advocacy for a morning-chronotype and good sleep behaviors for better physical and mental health.