Disrupted internal body clocks may lead to weight gain and change blood sugar control in mice

Mice lacking the central circadian clock develop adiposity and impaired glucose metabolism in constant darkness.

• Behavioral and tissue clock rhythms remain stable under rhythmic light but quickly deteriorate in constant darkness.
• Loss of behavioral and molecular rhythms is associated with increased body fat and reduced glucose utilization.
• Time-restricted feeding can restore peripheral clock rhythms, leading to normalization of body weight and glucose metabolism.
• An overall synchronized circadian clock network is important for maintaining metabolic balance.

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