Chrononutrition as predictor of BMI in active-duty service members

Abstract:This quantitative correlational-predictive study examined if and to what extent eating window and evening latency, collectively and individually, predict BMI of active-duty Army service members in the United States. Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and the Energy Balance Model provided the foundation for this study. The two research questions examined if eating window and evening latency, collectively and individually, predict BMI of active-duty Army service members. The two chrono-nutrition factors, eating window and evening latency, were measured by the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire. BMI was measured by self-reported height and weight from the demographic questionnaire. There were 77 participants who participated voluntarily on the SurveyMonkey platform. Results of the multiple linear regression showed that eating window and evening latency, collectively [F(2, 74) = .448, p = .641; R² -.015] and individually (eating window: B = .049, t =.276, p = .783; evening latency: B = -.235, t = - .803, p = .424), did not statistically significantly predict BMI of active-duty Army service members. The eating window scale and evening latency scale did not consider nutrition (energy calories, timing of energy calories, type/time of food consumption), physical activity (level of activity and timing of activity), and stress of the participants. A mix method methodology along with the use of body composition analysis through a Bod Pod or other gold standard body composition analysis and including covariates for exercise levels and exercise timing is recommended.