The Relationship Between Circadian Rhythm and Body Weight

Authors : Zeynep Gül GÜNDÜZ, Nurhan ÜNÜSAN

Pages : 113-124

View : 34 | Download : 37

Publication Date : 2021-12-31

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Physiological responses of living things take place in a rhythm that repeats every 24 hours. The Circadian rhythm is defined as the biological rhythm that repeats in 24 hours. Various physiological functions such as sleep/wake cycle, blood pressure, blood glucose level, secretion of hormones such as cortisol and melatonin, regulation of body temperature and adipose tissue activity exhibit 24-hour cycles. The circadian system consists of central and peripheral clocks. The suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus regulates the central clock according to light and dark information. Peripheral clocks found in organs such as the liver and adipose tissue are regulated by environmental factors including nutrition and physical activity. While the central clock is regulated by the light-dark cycle and peripheral clocks work in harmony with the central clock. External factors (shift work, jetlag, sleep disturbances, sleeping and eating at inappropriate times, etc.) that disrupt the operation of the central and peripheral clocks negatively affect the normal functioning of the human body. In this review, the effect of distrupted circadian rhythm on body weight is examined in detail.
Keywords : Circadian rhythm, hormones, genes, body weight