American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolismFeb 2, 2017

Meal timing is as important as what and how much you eat

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 28, 2026

Abstract

Disruptions of the endogenous circadian clock are linked to metabolic dysfunctions associated with obesity and diabetes.

Circadian timing plays a significant role in body weight regulation.
Both environmental and genetic disruptions of the circadian clock may contribute to metabolic disorders.
Findings from animal models and clinical studies in humans support the connection between circadian rhythms and metabolism.
Understanding the mechanisms behind circadian impacts could enhance clinical practices for improving health.

Simplified

Over the past decade, a large body of literature has demonstrated that disruptions of the endogenous circadian clock, whether environmental or genetic, lead to metabolic dysfunctions that are associated with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. The phrase, "It is not only what you eat and how much you eat, but also when you eat" sends a simple message about circadian timing and body weight regulation. Communicating this message to clinicians and patients, while also elucidating the neuroendocrine, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying this phrase is essential to embrace the growing knowledge of the circadian impact on metabolism as a part of healthy life style as well as to incorporate it into clinical practice for improvement of overall human health. In this review, we discuss findings from animal models, as well as epidemiological and clinical studies in humans, which collectively promote the awareness of the role of circadian clock in metabolic functions and dysfunctions.

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Meal timing is as important as what and how much you eat

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