How daily body clocks and meal timing relate to energy use and body weight

Circadian misalignment may contribute to adverse metabolic consequences experienced by 25% of the general population.

• Energy metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones exhibit circadian rhythms that can be disrupted.
• Shift workers experience severe circadian misalignment due to their nighttime wakefulness and daytime sleep.
• Milder forms of circadian misalignment, known as social and eating jetlag, are common in the general population.
• Later mealtimes associated with social and eating jetlag may promote positive energy balance and weight gain.
• Aligning meal timing with individual circadian patterns could potentially reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.

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