Macro partitioning
Circadian misalignment alters macronutrient utilization, increasing fat utilization and decreasing carbohydrate and protein utilization on subsequent nightshift days, leading to negative fat balance and positive carbohydrate balance.
When working night shifts, your body shifts to using more fat for energy and less carbs and protein. This change in macronutrient utilization, combined with reduced total energy expenditure, can contribute to weight gain. Be mindful of your food choices and timing to support your metabolic health.
Total daily fat utilization increased on the first and second nightshift days, contrary to expectations, and carbohydrate and protein utilization were reduced on the second nightshift day.
Why this rating
Controlled inpatient study with precise indirect calorimetry and urine nitrogen measurements.
Source
Impact of circadian misalignment on energy metabolism during simulated nightshift work
Andrew W. McHill et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2014
DOI 10.1073/pnas.1412021111
More from this paper
- Circadian misalignment during simulated nightshift work reduces total daily energy expenditure by approximately 3% on subsequent nightshift days compared to baseline day schedules, primarily driven by reduced energy expenditure during scheduled sleep periods.Good
- Consuming dinner late at night (during the biological night) reduces the thermic effect of food (TEF) compared to consuming the same meal at a typical dinnertime, contributing to reduced total daily energy expenditure.Good
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