Circadian rhythm-related behaviors and obesity: a narrative review
10.4163/jnh.2025.58.6.541
- Author:
Gaeun LEE
1
;
Chang-Ho YUN
;
Sihan SONG
;
Jung Eun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Review
- From:Journal of Nutrition and Health
2025;58(6):541-556
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Circadian rhythms play a fundamental role in regulating metabolism, and growing evidence suggests that the timing of lifestyle behaviors may be associated with obesity and the related metabolic outcomes. This narrative review summarizes the current epidemiologic evidence linking circadian rhythm-related behaviors to obesity in adults, focusing on sleep duration and quality, meal timing and frequency, and the timing of physical activity. A short sleep duration and poor sleep quality have been associated with a higher body mass index and obesity, although the findings from studies using objective sleep measures are less consistent. The potential benefits of sleep extension have been observed among overweight or obese adults with habitual short sleep in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Regarding the temporal eating patterns, later and irregular meal timing have been associated with obesity, whereas evidence on the fasting duration and eating frequency remains mixed. The RCTs of time-restricted eating (TRE) combined with calorie restriction have shown modest benefits for weight management compared to calorie restriction alone. Despite the challenge to disentangle the total energy intake from the eating timing in longitudinal or even intervention studies, controlled intervention studies are needed to determine if the timing of eating per se is an important determinant of metabolic outcomes. Some studies suggest that the associations between circadian rhythm-related behaviors and obesity may vary according to the chronotype, such as morning and evening types. Regarding the timing of physical activity, current evidence on its effect on obesity is limited. Overall, the current epidemiological findings suggest that circadian rhythm-related behaviors may represent potential targets for obesity prevention and management. Integrating the temporal dimensions of sleep, diet, and physical activity is essential for providing a more comprehensive understanding of how circadian rhythms influence obesity. Further well-designed longitudinal and intervention studies using objective and standardized assessments of these behaviors will be needed to develop more effective and personalized lifestyle strategies.
