Circadian rhythms and obesity

The fundamental impact of the Earth's rotation on living organisms necessitates the coordination of metabolism through rhythmic processes, resulting in the emergence of molecular and autonomous circadian clocks that anticipate diurnal variations. In mammals, these clocks are organized between a hypothalamic central clock and peripheral clocks present in the various organs. The central clock ensures the adaptation of major physiological functions to ambient light, while peripheral clocks are sensitive to other factors such as meal timing. The molecular mechanisms involved in synchronizing circadian clocks among themselves and with the environment are now better understood, highlighting the detrimental effects of chronodisruption caused by social jet lag and irregular eating habits associated with modern lifestyles. Preclinical studies confirm the links between chronodisruption, obesity, and metabolic diseases, suggesting the potential benefits of resynchronization interventions such as chrononutrition or chronopharmacology. This review presents the participation of the circadian clock in metabolic homeostasis and explores its potential in the prevention and management of overweight and obesity. (c) 2023 Societe francophone nutrition clinique et metabolisme (SFNCM). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.