When it comes to weight loss (and when the right muscle sparing tools are in place, also fat loss) total Calories in vs Calories out dominates. Don't get fooled, both sides of the equation are moving targets so it's been extremely difficult to be precise with it even in research. and water weight changes add further confusion.
When it comes to other hormonal aspects though? meal timing matters, obviously. An extreme example that makes it obvious -- If you eat ~1500 calories from fats/carbs in one sitting, you're likely gonna want a nap in short order as your blood sugar and insulin excreted rise. Does that mean you'll gain weight? Depends on your caloric needs.
Another example -- Eating even 3 hours before bed time can affect sleep. So, for sleep quality, it's best to eat earlier and then stop.
Another example -- taking in caffeine blocks the clearing of adenosine (the feel tired hormone). So if you drink caffeine in the first ~90minutes of waking then you dont actually clear the adenosine as well, and then when the caffeine hits it's half life (about 6 hours later) you'll feel tired again. Solution: let your body clear adenosine naturally before you consume caffeine.