Daytime increase in caloric intake without change in total 24 hr caloric intake can increase adiposity but not total bodyweight in rats with inverted feeding pattern

Goal. To evaluate the effect of the food availability period on body weight, self-selection of macronutrients, adiposity, lipoprotein and serum glucose profiles without changing energy intake. Methods. Young male rats were divided into two groups according to the availability of food during the light and dark phases of the cycle forming two groups: control (CG) and group with inverted feeding pattern (IFPG). Before inversion of food availability on the 80th day, circadian food intake was measured every four hours over 24 hours during three days. The glycemic curve, an oral test for glucose tolerance, and self-selection of macronutrients were evaluated. Blood samples were collected for analysis of fasting glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol fractions. Results. The IFPG showed an increase in fasting glucose in the dark phase of the cycle, changes in the glycemic curve and oral glucose tolerance test. It also showed increased abdominal and liver fat and distinct choice of macronutrients compared to the CG. Conclusion. A change in the availability of food according to the phase of the circadian cycle produces changes in glucose and feeding circadian rhythm culminating in increased abdominal and hepatic fat. These effects can increase the risk of metabolic disorders and installation of chronic diseases.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author