Interactions among circadian rhythm, obesity, and inflammation and their regulation by exercise

Circadian rhythm is an intrinsic 24-hour physiological rhythm of the human body, and its disruption is closely associated with obesity and chronic inflammation. Circadian clock genes not only regulate metabolic processes but also participate in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Circadian clock disruption can lead to a vicious cycle involving rhythm disturbance, obesity, and inflammation. Regular exercise can serve as an effective zeitgeber, helping to realign disrupted biological rhythms and reduce obesity-related inflammation. The effects of exercise may be influenced by factors such as exercise timing and intensity; for example, exercise performed at different times of the day may have different effects on improving blood glucose and sleep. However, it remains unclear whether there is a universally applicable "optimal" exercise time for individuals whose biological clocks are already disrupted. Systematically reviewing and summarizing the mechanisms underlying the interactions among circadian rhythm, obesity, and inflammation, and revealing the potential value of exercise in regulating the biological clock and reducing inflammation, are of great significance for developing exercise intervention strategies. Future studies may further explore the formulation of personalized exercise prescriptions, particularly for high-risk populations such as shift workers, to promote the application of chronomedicine in metabolic health management.