Enhanced preference for high-fat foods following a simulated night shift

Abstract

Shortened sleep and circadian misalignment, as seen in shift workers, has adverse metabolic and behavioral consequences which lead to obesity and associated comorbidities. This study demonstrates a simulated night shift enhances preference for high fat foods, which may be a contributing factor for shift work-related weight gain. Increasing awareness of changes in food preference may promote healthier food choices. Key terms: diet; dietary intake; eating; fat; food; habit; health; health; high-fat food; night duty; night shift; night work; nutrition; obesity; shift work; shift worker; simulated night shift; sleep loss; weight gain This article in PubMed: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25699635 288 Scand J Work Environ Health 2015, vol 41, no 3Short communication Scand J Work Environ Health. 2015;41(3):288-293. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3486 Enhanced preference for high-fat foods following a simulated night shift by Sean W Cain, PhD,1 Ashleigh J Filtness, PhD,2 Craig L Phillips, PhD,3,4 Clare Anderson, PhD 1,5 Cain SW, Filtness AJ, Phillips CL, Anderson C. Enhanced preference for high-fat foods following a simulated night shift. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2015;41(3):288-293. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3486 Objectives Shift workers are prone to obesity and associated co-morbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Sleep restriction associated with shift work results in dramatic endocrine and metabolic effects that predispose shift workers to these adverse health consequences. While sleep restriction has been associated with increased caloric intake, food preference may also play a key role in weight gain associated with shift work. This study examined the impact of an overnight simulated night shift on food preference.Methods Sixteen participants [mean 20.1, standard deviation (SD) 1.4 years; 8 women] underwent a simulated night shift and control condition in a counterbalanced order. On the following morning, participants were provided an opportunity for breakfast that included high-and low-fat food options (mean 64.8% and 6.4% fat, respectively). ResultsParticipants ate significantly more high-fat breakfast items after the simulated night shift than after the control condition [167.3, standard error of the mean (SEM) 28.7) g versus 211.4 (SEM 35.6) g; P=0.012]. The preference for high-fat food was apparent among the majority of individuals following the simulated night shift (81%), but not for the control condition (43%). Shift work and control conditions did not differ, however, in the total amount of food or calories consumed.Conclusions A simulated night shift leads to preference for high-fat food during a subsequent breakfast opportunity. These results suggest that food choice may contribute to weight-related chronic health problems commonly seen among night shift workers.Key terms diet; dietary intake; eating; food; habit; health; night duty; night work; nutrition; obesity; shift work; shift worker; sleep loss; weight gain. Working shifts outside of regular working hours is prevalent in modern industrialize...

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