The CLOCK gene is a master regulator of the circadian rhythm and influences sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and metabolism. Some studies suggest that variants in CLOCK may be associated with a higher risk of obesity and altered weight loss outcomes, possibly through effects on insulin sensitivity or eating behavior. However, the evidence is mostly mechanistic or from small human studies; large GWAS or clinical guidelines are lacking. Direct-to-consumer tests that highlight CLOCK variants for personalized diet plans often overstate the practical relevance. Lifestyle factors such as light exposure, sleep duration, and meal timing likely have a greater impact than single gene variants. Weight loss remains primarily driven by calorie balance, physical activity, and sleep quality – CLOCK genotyping provides only a small, uncertain piece of the puzzle.
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