The timing of meals and obesity: An emerging association with clinical implications

The timing of food intake may play a significant role in obesity. Emerging evidence in animals demonstrates a relationship between the timing of feeds and weight regulation. Unusual feeding times may produce a disruption of the circadian system, which could produce unhealthy consequences in humans. Recent human studies have shown that the timing of the main meal is predictive of weight loss during dietary intervention, independent of the total 24-hour caloric intake. An active circadian clock is observed in various different organs related to food intake, including stomach, intestine, pancreas, liver and adipose tissue. Since feeding is the source of energy for adipose tissue, the time of feeding, particularly of the intake of high-energy meals, may be relatively important, with metabolic consequences for weight loss and the development of obesity.