Some people eat three regular meals a day, but still find themselves reaching for a snack after the sun goes down. Eating late at night isn't just a bad habit—it can lead to poor sleep, weight gain, and even a reputation for overeating. Scientists have now uncovered that this midnight snacking behavior might be linked to genetic changes in our body's internal clock.
Through experiments on mice, researchers found that when the circadian "biological clock" genes are altered, the animals display symptoms similar to those seen in overweight humans—like diabetes, high cholesterol, and increased fat accumulation. These genetically modified mice remain active during the time when normal mice are asleep, showing no signs of tiredness. Their hormone levels also become imbalanced. Specifically, the levels of leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and satiety, are disrupted. This hormonal imbalance leads them to eat more than usual, resulting in weight gain and a higher risk of obesity compared to regular mice.
The study suggests that the brain’s sleep-regulating system plays a key role in controlling appetite and metabolism. However, this system is closely tied to the body’s circadian rhythm. When the genes responsible for this rhythm are mutated, it throws off the balance of hunger signals and metabolic functions, making it harder for the body to maintain a healthy weight.
Dr. Joseph Bass, an assistant professor of medicine and neurobiology at Northwestern University, emphasized that “when the body’s internal clock is out of sync, it can lead to weight gain and serious metabolic issues, including diabetes.â€
This research was conducted by a team from Northwestern University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the findings were recently published in the journal *Science*. The results offer new insights into how our biological clocks influence eating habits and overall health, highlighting the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule for long-term well-being.
Guangzhou Fuerle Health Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.fuerlegroup.com