Research paper
McHill AW, Phillips AJ, Czeisler CA, Keating L, Yee K, Barger LK, Garaulet M, Scheer FA, Klerman EB. Later circadian timing of food intake is associated with increased body fat. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2017 Nov;106(5):1213-1219. doi:10.3945/ajcn.117.161588
Why we cite it
Provides the first study to measure food timing relative to individual circadian phase (melatonin onset) rather than clock time, demonstrating that what matters for body composition is not when you eat by the clock but when you eat relative to your internal circadian rhythm. Directly relevant to the project because it mechanistically explains why late-night eating promotes fat gain — and why simply looking at clock time is insufficient — while supporting practical strategies like setting an evening food cutoff relative to habitual bedtime.