AbstractObjectiveTo study the association of meal patterns and timing with central obesity to identify the best dietary strategies to deal with the increasing obesity prevalence.DesignA cross-sectional study performed on data from a representative sample of the Spanish population. Height and waist circumference were measured using standardized procedures and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. The sample was divided into those without central obesity (WHtR<0·5) and those with central obesity (WHtR≥0·5).SettingANIBES (‘Anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles in Spain’) Study.SubjectsAdults aged 18–64 years (n1655; 798 men and 857 women).ResultsA higher percentage of people ate more than four meals daily in the group without central obesity and those with central obesity more frequently skipped the mid-afternoon snack than those without. Breakfasts containing >25 % of total energy intake and lunches containing >35 % of total energy intake were associated with increased likelihood of central obesity (OR=1·874, 95 % CI 1·019, 3·448;P<0·05 and OR=1·693, 95 % CI 1·264, 2·268;P<0·001, respectively). On the contrary, mid-morning snacks and mid-afternoon snacks containing >15 % of total energy were associated with decreased likelihood of central obesity (OR=0·477, 95 % CI 0·313, 0·727;P<0·001 and OR=0·650, 95 % CI 0·453, 0·932;P<0·05, respectively). The variety of cereals, wholegrain cereals and dairy was higher in the population without central obesity.ConclusionsOur results suggest that ‘what and when we eat’ should be considered dietary strategies to reduce central obesity.