Jet lag may lead to weight gain, diabetes symptoms: study

Alexander Tups
Alexander Tups
Repeated jet lag could lead to weight gain and severe diabetes symptoms, according to new research from the University of Otago.

Meanwhile, another study found human bodies are better at fighting off fatty foods at certain times of the day than others, meaning it matters when you eat, as well as what you eat.

Researchers involved in the study found anything which disrupted the body block, such as jet lag and shift work, could be detrimental to human health.

The study examined the effects of circadian rhythm (body clock) disruptions in mice and found repeated jet leg resulted in weight gain and severe diabetes symptoms.

Associate Prof Alexander Tups, of the University of Otago neuroendocrinology and brain health research centre, said anything which disrupted the circadian rhythm could be detrimental to human health.

''Very bright street lights disrupt melatonin, which is the hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm.

''This disruption can lead to obesity and diabetes if our studies can be translated to humans, but there is also accumulating evidence that disrupted melatonin secretion leads to cancer,'' Prof Tups said.

Another study, also involving Prof Tups and published in the FASEB Journal, found human bodies produce hormones which appear to work better at fighting off fatty foods consumed at particular times of the day.

Prof Tups said he could not yet give a clear recommendation on which meal to skip to lose body weight.

But if the results of the study were directly transferable to humans from mice it would most likely be dinner, he said.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement