Longer meal intervals linked to faster disease accumulation in older adults
Older adults who typically had longer intervals between meals accumulated chronic diseases more rapidly over time than those with shorter intervals, according to a study from Karolinska Institutet published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. The association was most pronounced among people aged 78 years and older.
Longer intervals between meals in older adults may lead to a faster accumulation of chronic diseases, according to a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that people aged 78 and older who had longer gaps between meals were more likely to develop multiple health issues over time compared to those with shorter intervals.
The study, which analyzed data from 2,981 older adults in Stockholm, revealed that people whose longest meal gap was 14-24 hours accumulated diseases more rapidly than those with gaps of 6-11.5 hours. The association was strongest among the oldest age group and was observed for overall chronic disease burden, cardiovascular diseases, and neuropsychiatric disorders, but not for musculoskeletal diseases.
While the study suggests a potential link between meal timing and disease accumulation in older adults, it cannot establish a direct causal relationship.
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