Gut microbiota and eating behaviour in circadian syndrome

HighlightsThe gut microbiota undergoes diurnal oscillations, regulated by feeding schedules, timing, and the host's internal clocks, thereby exerting a profound influence on metabolic health.The bidirectional interaction between microbiota and circadian rhythms impacts feeding behaviour and metabolic homeostasis.The generation of microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, also exhibits diurnal oscillations, and modulates the enteroendocrine signalling and central regulation of appetite.Disrupted circadian rhythms and poor dietary habits can trigger detrimental cycles that worsen metabolic risks, with the microbiota acting as a key communicator in this temporal dialogue.Directing interventions towards the gut microbiota holds promising potential in reinstating circadian rhythms and improving eating behaviours, thereby leading to overall enhancements in metabolic health.AbstractEating behaviour and circadian rhythms are closely related. The type, timing, and quantity of food consumed, and host circadian rhythms, directly influence the intestinal microbiota, which in turn impacts host circadian rhythms and regulates food intake beyond homeostatic eating. This Opinion discusses the impact of food intake and circadian disruptions induced by an obesogenic environment on gut–brain axis signalling. We also explore potential mechanisms underlying the effects of altered gut microbiota on food intake behaviour and circadian rhythmicity. Understanding the crosstalk between gut microbiota, circadian rhythms, and unhealthy eating behaviour is crucial to addressing the obesity epidemic, which remains one of the biggest societal challenges of our time.