'Social jet lag' linked to obesity and 'unhealthy' metabolism

Conclusion The study involved 815 non-shift workers. It found people with a greater difference in sleep patterns between free days and work days (so-called "social jet lag") were more likely to be obese and "metabolically unhealthy" (have markers for obesity-related diseases) than those with little or no difference between these timings. This study adds to previous research in both animals and humans that has explored the possible effects altering the body clock may have upon our metabolism, being overweight or obese. A recent UK survey found a link between shift work and chronic diseases, which we discussed at the end of 2014. However, this new study cannot prove regular lie-ins cause obesity or obesity-related diseases. The study is cross-sectional, assessing sleep patterns and health at the same time. It is possible with this type of study that the reverse is true – that obesity and any associated health conditions may cause people to lie in more whenever possible. There may be many underlying factors this study has not taken into account that are influencing the apparent relationship between obesity, metabolic markers, and higher levels of social jet lag. For example, the study did not take account of people's diets or their exercise levels, which are two key factors that influence BMI and may also influence our sleep patterns. The increased risks of obesity and metabolic syndrome with social jet lag were only of borderline statistical signif...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Diabetes Obesity Source Type: news