in Japan
In a world where screens are extensions of ourselves, artificial light is everywhere, from our phone screens to energy-efficient light bulbs.
Could exposure to artificial light affect your waistline?
Let’s first understand how our body stores and digests food and eventually fuels up with energy.
From First Bite to Final Burn: A Day in the Life of Your Metabolism
During the daytime, when individuals are active and consume food, glucose is metabolized and food is stored as body fat. This is generally stored as carbohydrates and is stimulated by increase in insulin secretion. It helps in the synthesis of compounds that are not dissolved easily in water and activates a protein in the body that helps break down fat in the blood so the body can store it or use it for energy. At the same time, our body uses more energy and works harder to help digest the food.
We can say that the body’s daily rhythm is to be hungry by day and be active all the way.
One of the main reasons is that hormones like ghrelin (which makes you feel hungry) increase, while leptin (which makes you feel full) decreases, encouraging eating.
Excessive eating without thinking, in turn, leads to weight gain.
Is there a connection between artificial light exposure and weight gain?
Interestingly, there is one, and science backs it up, which can be confirmed through the findings below:
Here are some key studies and findings for more insights:
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Study (2016):
A study involving nearly 43,000 American women found that those exposed to artificial light, were more likely to experience significant weight gain and increased BMI over time.
- Ohio State University Mouse Study (2011):
Researchers observed that mice exposed to artificial light gained more weight than those kept in darkness, despite consuming the same amount of calories.
- Northwestern Medicine Study (2022):
A study on older adults found that those exposed to any amount of artificial light were significantly more likely to be obese, and have high blood pressure and diabetes.
- UK Biobank Study (2024):
An analysis of over 84,000 participants revealed that exposure to artificial light increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 67%, independent of daytime activities.
- The study suggests that light exposure disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to changes in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.
The Primary External Cue for Synchronization of Body Clock is Light
Light plays a powerful role in regulating your circadian rhythm, your body’s internal clock that governs your sleep-wake cycle, appetite, hormone release, and metabolism. This rhythm is deeply influenced by light cues.
When you expose yourself to artificial light, it can throw off this natural rhythm. The result?
- Increased risk of obesity
- Disrupted sleep cycles
- Higher late-night cravings
- Slower metabolism
In short, artificial light can confuse your body into thinking it’s still daytime, interfering with your natural cues to rest, digest, and restore. This eventually results to poor sleep, delayed sleep onset, reduced sleep quality, altered and disrupted metabolism, and increased cravings—conditions that can all lead to weight gain over time.
Can retimer have a solution for this?
Using retimer and Light Therapy
Light therapy has shown promising results in improving mood, boosting energy levels, and even supporting weight management. Bright light exposure helps regulate hormones like cortisol and melatonin, which can influence appetite and fat storage.
The retimer light therapy glasses emit a gentle blue-green light designed to help reset your circadian rhythm. They simulate morning sunlight and are often used to manage jet lag, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and sleep disturbances. With consistent use, they can be highly effective.
Mind the Light, Manage the Weight
Light therapy glasses can be helpful for wellness, especially for mood and sleep disorders. If you’re trying to lose weight or manage your metabolism, paying attention to your eating and exercising would be just as important.
So next time you’re tempted to scroll in bed or wear retimer glasses, remember: Your circadian rhythm
The temptation to stay up late, skip your routine, or forget to wear your retimer glasses may seem harmless in the moment. However, each of these choices can quietly set you back, delaying the progress you deserve and impacting your well-being. Over time, they chip away at the consistency that forms the foundation of long-term health benefits. Every time you choose discipline, you’re making a powerful investment in a healthier, more balanced you.
