Evaluación de la crononutrición en trabajadores de la Fundación Municipal de la Mujer y el Niño, Cuenca 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Chrononutrition, a discipline that examines the relationship between eating schedules and circadian rhythm, has been shown to impact metabolic health. In work contexts with irregular schedules, this desynchronization can favor the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemias. Objective: To evaluate chrononutrition patterns in workers of the Municipal Foundation for Women and Children of Cuenca in 2025. Methodology: Quantitative, non-experimental, and descriptive study conducted from August 2024 to August 2025. A structured questionnaire, including sociodemographic and anthropometric data, as well as the validated Chrononutrition Questionnaire, was administered to 111 workers. Pregnant women and people individuals with eating disorders or treatments that alter circadian rhythm were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics (chi², OR, p<0.005). Results: A total of 111 workers were included, with 66.7% being women. Of the participants, 65.8% were overweight or obese, and 53.2% were centrally obese. Eating breakfast after 09:00 and lunch for more than 20 minutes were associated with a lower risk of excess weight. In contrast, overnight fasting of less than 10 hours, irregular intake, and high-caloric-load dinner were associated with a higher risk of central obesity and dyslipidemia. Conclusions: Irregular and delayed eating habits increase metabolic risk. Structured eating and adequate overnight fasting may be protective, supporting preventive strategies based on the timing of intake in occupational settings.