Circadian Rhythm and Weight

Your body’s internal clock, called the circadian rhythm, affects more than just sleep — it also influences metabolism, hunger hormones, and how your body stores fat. Eating late at night or having irregular sleep patterns can disrupt this clock and make weight management harder.

The circadian system regulates diurnal variations in glucose metabolism, lipid homeostasis, and appetite hormones including leptin and ghrelin. Circadian disruption — whether from shift work, jet lag, or social jet lag — is associated with increased BMI, higher rates of metabolic syndrome, and impaired glucose tolerance. Time-restricted eating and consistent sleep-wake schedules are evidence-based strategies to realign circadian rhythms for weight management.

Optimising your daily routine — not just what you eat but when you eat and sleep — can significantly improve weight loss outcomes. Dr. Joseph Wang incorporates circadian health into holistic weight management plans.