Eating Behaviors in Shift Workers

The Interaction of Shift Work and Food Environment on Eating Behaviors and Appetite

This study will compare eating behaviors and measures of hunger and fullness between day and night workers in order to better understand why night workers are at increased risk for obesity and related diseases.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Work ~ 8-hour shifts during day or night on 3 or more consecutive days of the week
• BMI 19-35 kg/m^2
• Age 20-55 years of age
• Metabolically healthy
• Weight stable over previous 3 months
• Lives in New York City area

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or less than 1 year postpartum at time of study
• Smoking
• History of drug or alcohol abuse
• Rotating shift work
• Habitual sleep duration of more than 6 hour per night
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Transmeridian travel
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Participation in diet or weight loss program in the 3 months prior to enrollment
• Psychiatric or sleep disorder
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Dislike of or unwillingness to eat test foods