Shift workers frequently experience circadian misalignment and are at increased risks of obesity. It is established that some characteristics of the circadian system and body weight regulation differ between males and females. However, whether there are sex differences in the effects of circadian misalignment on energy regulation remains unknown. Here we show that circadian misalignment disrupts energy balance in females and males through different pathways. Females had more disturbances in the energy homeostasis process, including a decrease in the satiety hormone and an increase in hunger hormone. Males had elevated cravings for energy-dense and savory foods. These data have potential implications for sex-specific weight gain prevention in shift work populations and other groups experiencing circadian rhythm disturbances.

Shift work causes circadian misalignment and is a risk factor for obesity. While some characteristics of the human circadian system and energy metabolism differ between males and females…