Chronotype, the biological preference for being more active in the morning or evening, can play a relevant role in the preservation of muscle mass, quality, and strength, as well as in metabolic health. Understanding this relationship can help explain why not all people respond equally to the same health routines. This is one of the conclusions of a scientific review with the participation of professionals from the Bellvitge University Hospital, the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), the University of Barcelona, the CIBER on Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM) of the Carlos III Health Institute, recently published in the journal Nutrients.
The work analyses the existing scientific evidence on the relationship between the biological clock, lifestyle habits -feeding, physical activity and rest- and muscle maintenance, especially in the context of obesity and aging.
“The chronotype conditions how we organize ourselves throughout the day and can indirectly influence key factors for muscle health, such as rest, physical activity or intake schedules”, explains Roberto Barrientos-Salinas, researcher of the Diabetes and Metabolism Program at IDIBELL.
When schedules do not fit with biology
According to the review, people with evening chronotype tend to have later ingestion schedules, lower sleep regularity and lower levels of structured physical activity. This misalignment between the internal biological clock and social schedules can favour less healthy life patterns and impact muscle quality and metabolism.
The research team emphasizes that chronotype is not a matter of willingness or learned habits, but an individual biological characteristic, conditioned by genetic and physiological factors.
Muscle, key to autonomy and healthy aging
The review emphasises the importance of muscle as an essential organ for health. Beyond strength or mobility, muscle plays a determining role in metabolism and in preventing age-related fragility.
In this sense, the researchers warn of the risk of sarcopenic obesity, a situation characterized by excess body fat combined with a loss of mass and muscle function, which can compromise the quality of life in the long term.
Towards more personalized recommendations
The work defends the need for more personalized and integrated approaches, which consider the time of the day when meals are made (chrononutrition), the schedule of physical activity and the duration and regularity of sleep.
“Considering the chronotype can help better adapt health recommendations and make them more sustainable over time, especially in weight loss programs, muscle loss prevention and promotion of healthy aging,” said Dr. Núria Vilarrasa, head of the Endrocrinology and Nutrition Service at Bellvitge Hospital.
Impact on clinical practice and public health
Although it is a review of the scientific literature, the authors point out that these conclusions may have relevant implications in clinical practice and public health, since they open the door to prevention strategies more adjusted to the individual characteristics of each person.
“There is no single valid formula for preserving muscle and strength throughout life, and considering the biological clock can contribute to improving the metabolic and functional health of the population. This approach can be especially relevant in a society with irregular schedules and progressive aging of the population.”, points out Pablo M. Garcia-Rovés, leader of the work and member of the research group on the study of metabolism in obesity and associated diseases (Metabesity) and associate professor at the University of Barcelona.
The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a research center established in 2004 specialized in cancer, neuroscience, translational medicine, and regenerative medicine. It counts on a team of more than 1.500 professionals who, from 73 research groups, publish more than 1.400 scientific articles per year. IDIBELL is participated by the Bellvitge University Hospital and the Viladecans Hospital of the Catalan Institute of Health, the Catalan Institute of Oncology, the University of Barcelona, and the City Council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
IDIBELL is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the University of Barcelona HUBc and is part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In 2009 it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Health Institute. In addition, it is part of the “HR Excellence in Research” program of the European Union and is a member of EATRIS and REGIC. Since 2018, IDIBELL has been an Accredited Center of the AECC Scientific Foundation (FCAECC).