Independent effects of the human circadian system and sleep/eating cycles on caloric intake in adolescents vary by weight status

Feb 18, 2025Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

How the body’s internal clock and sleep/eating patterns separately relate to calorie intake in teens with different weight levels

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Abstract

The endogenous circadian rhythm in caloric intake shows a peak-to-trough difference of 196 kcal per meal.

  • Both the and the behavioral sleep/wake cycle influence caloric intake patterns.
  • Caloric intake decreases during the waking period and increases from circadian morning to evening.
  • Participants with overweight or obesity consumed more calories later in the day compared to those with healthy weight.
  • Those with overweight or obesity exhibited blunted fluctuations in caloric intake compared to individuals with healthy weight.
  • These findings may help clarify the reasons behind increased evening caloric consumption, particularly in those at risk for obesity.

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Key numbers

196 kcal/meal
Circadian Peak-to-Trough Difference in Caloric Intake
Difference between caloric intake at peak and trough times.
13°
Caloric Intake Timing Difference
Difference in circadian phase for caloric intake timing.
23%
Circadian Amplitude Reduction
Reduction in peak-to-trough amplitude compared to healthy weight group.

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