Obesity alters the circadian profiles of energy metabolism and glucose regulation in humans.

Objective: Given the complex interaction among the circadian system, energy metabolism, and obesity, the authors tested whether having obesity impacts the circadian variation in energy and glucose metabolism in humans.

Methods: Participants with BMI either in the healthy weight or obesity ranges were studied in a 5-day, in-laboratory protocol that equally distributed behaviors (i.e., sleep, eating, exercise) across 24 h. Energy metabolism was measured at rest and during a standardized exercise bout and blood was sampled before and after each identical study meal to assess glucose and insulin levels.

Results: In those with a healthy weight, the circadian nadir of energy expenditure, during both rest and exercise, occurred when participants would normally be asleep. However, in those with obesity, this nadir appears to occur during the habitual wake period. Differences in glucose regulation also depended on the circadian phase, such that individuals with obesity appeared to have relatively greater glucose intolerance during the circadian day and produced less insulin during the circadian night.

Conclusions: Obesity is associated with altered circadian energy and glucose metabolism. Understanding and addressing these associations could lead to strategies that improve body weight and metabolic health in people with obesity.