Chrononutrition: How Meal Timing Impacts Metabolism and Disease Risk

Chrononutrition, the study of how meal timing affects health, has emerged as a critical component in understanding the regulation of metabolism and the development of chronic diseases. This review explores the interplay between circadian rhythms and dietary patterns, highlighting how aligning food intake with the body's internal clock can optimize metabolic processes and reduce the risk of disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Evidence from both observational and interventional studies suggests that irregular eating habits, such as skipping breakfast and consuming late-night meals, disrupt circadian alignment and impair glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, and hormonal balance. Time-restricted eating (TRE) and other chrono-aligned dietary interventions show promising results in improving insulin sensitivity, weight management, and systemic inflammation. As lifestyle-related metabolic diseases continue to rise, chrononutrition provides a novel framework for dietary recommendations that incorporate not only what and how much we eat, but also when we eat. This article synthesizes current evidence, discusses mechanistic insights, and outlines practical implications and future research directions.