Eating patterns in a nationwide sample of Japanese aged 1-79 years from MINNADE study: eating frequency, clock time for eating, time spent on eating and variability of eating patterns

Objective: Although there is growing evidence suggesting that eating patterns are important determinants of health status, comprehensive information on patterning of eating behaviours is almost lacking. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe eating patterns in Japan. Design: Information on actual eating behaviours was collected using 2-d dietary record in each season over a year (total 8 d). Eating occasions were defined as any discrete intake occasion (with a discrete start clock time and name) except for eating occasions consisting of water only, which were excluded. Setting: Japan. Participants: A nationwide sample of 4032 Japanese aged 1-79 years. Results: The mean value of eating frequency of meals (i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner), snacks and total eating occasions was 2 center dot 94, 1 center dot 74 and 4 center dot 68 times/d, respectively. The mean clock time for the start of breakfast, lunch and dinner was 07.24, 12.29 and 19.15 h, respectively. The mean time spent consuming breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks was 19, 25, 34 and 27 min/d, respectively. On average, variability (i.e. average of absolute difference from mean) of meal frequency was small compared with that of snack frequency and total eating frequency. Both mean variability of clock time for the start of eating (<1 h) and mean variability of time spent on meals (<10 min/d) were also small. Conversely, mean variability of time spent on snacks was large (>18 min/d). Conclusion: The present findings serve as both a reference and an indication for future research on patterning of eating behaviours.

Automated summary

This study investigated eating patterns in Japan and found that most people ate around 3 meals and 2 snacks per day, totaling about 5 eating occasions. The average start times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner were 07:24, 12:29, and 19:15, respectively. Overall, the variability in meal frequency was small compared to snack frequency.