Circadian Rhythm and Obesity

Abstract

Obesity with significant implications for public health has become a global epidemic. Recently, there is growing evidence indicating that the disturbance of circadian rhythms have a pivotal role in the onset of obesity. Insufficient sleep, a common consequence of modern lifestyle, further disrupts circadian rhythms and always leads to higher body mass index (BMI) and metabolic disturbances. Circadian misalignment affects various aspects of metabolism, including appetite regulation, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Disturbances in the timing of food intake, such as late-night eating or irregular meal patterns, can disrupt the synchronisation between the circadian clock of suprachromaffin nucleus and peripheral clock, resulting in impaired metabolic function and increased adiposity. Circadian clocks oversee expressions of crucial genes associated with the energy balance and lipid metabolism at the molecular level. Genetic studies have identified specific clock genes that are related to metabolic disorders and overweight. Perturbation of genes is regulated by the body's internal clock, including those responsible for adipogenesis and insulin signaling, acts as a major player in the progression of obesity. Understanding the relationship between circadian rhythms and obesity has important implications for preventive and therapeutic strategies. Implementing interventions that restore circadian alignment, such as timed light exposure, sleep optimization, and following regular meal timing, may help mitigate the risk of obesity and its associated metabolic complications. This article reviews the current literature on the influence of circadian rhythm on obesity and explores its underlying mechanisms.