Obesity and Chrono-Nutrition

Abstract

The objective of this article was to describe obesity mechanisms and why obesity and meal properties during a circadian phase are interrelated. Obesity remains a major challenge globally. The increasing rates of obesity and diabetes indicate that current perspectives on obesity etiology are not adequately explanatory. The common view on obesity is energy balance model (EBM), suggesting that energy is stored as fat when overconsumed. However, since EBM is driven by physics, biochemical pathways of fat storage are overlooked. Insulin is secreted by increased blood glucose which drives positive energy balance and thus fat deposition. Such pathways present an innovative concept known as carbohydrate insulin model (CIM). This model might offer a more mechanistic perception into obesity development. Considering that glucose metabolism possesses circadian rhythmicity, CIM and chrono-nutrition may be interconnected. Preventing glycemic load through limiting carbohydrate-rich diets intake and care of meal timing would benefit obesity and diabetes prevention strategies. In conclusion, energy source and chrono-nutrition should be contemplated together as key factors influencing energy partitioning and fat deposition in the modern human.