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A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University has revealed a striking relationship between circadian rhythms, weight, and eating habits in adolescents. The research highlights how the internal biological clock plays a crucial role in shaping the eating patterns of teens, especially those who are overweight or obese.
The study shows that teenagers with obesity tend to eat more later in the day compared to their peers with a healthy weight. This suggests that their eating behaviors are significantly influenced by their circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that regulates biological processes over a 24-hour cycle.
By 2030, it is projected that nearly half of all Americans will be affected by obesity, a condition linked to a host of chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. While previous studies have explored connections between sleep, eating habits, and weight gain, this new research brings to light the specific impact of the circadian system in regulating food intake.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that adolescents with overweight or obesity consumed more calories later in the day than those with healthy weights. Notably, these differences in eating habits were driven by the body’s internal clock, independent of external factors like sleep and activity cycles.
Dr. Frank A.J.L. Scheer, a professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and director of the Medical Chronobiology Program, explained, “Going into this study, we knew that the circadian system affects hunger and metabolism. What remained unclear was whether the circadian system—when isolated from the influences of environmental and behavioral cycles—directly influences food consumption.” The findings of this study provide clear evidence that the circadian system does, in fact, regulate food intake.
The study included 51 male and female adolescents, aged 12 to 18, who were divided into three groups based on body mass index (BMI). Participants lived in a controlled environment with dim lighting during waking hours and complete darkness during sleep. The researchers removed all external time cues to control for influences on the circadian rhythm, such as access to natural light and clocks.
The participants were given six eating opportunities throughout the day, with standardized meals to track caloric intake. Activities like crafts and social games were allowed, but screen time was kept to a minimum. The results showed that all teens, regardless of weight class, consumed the most calories in the late afternoon and early evening, while caloric intake was lowest in the morning.
These findings highlight the powerful influence of the body’s biological clock on eating habits, which could have significant implications for adolescent health. Future research is needed to further investigate whether changes to circadian rhythms could offer a pathway to improving eating patterns and preventing obesity-related diseases.
The lead investigator of the study, Dr. Mary A. Carskadon, emphasized the importance of understanding the role of circadian rhythms in shaping eating behavior during adolescence. “The critical nature of adolescent development to set the stage for a lifetime of health highlights the need to understand the roles played by sleep/wake and circadian timing processes for eating behavior,” she stated.
As the world grapples with rising rates of obesity, these findings open the door for new interventions that could help improve the health of teenagers.
Disclaimer: The study referenced in this article is based on research conducted in a controlled environment. The results may vary in real-world scenarios due to individual differences and other influencing factors. The findings are subject to further validation through additional studies.
