Hormonal appetite control is altered by shift work: a preliminary study

Abstract Shift work has been associated with a higher propensity for developing nutritional problems and obesity. However, the possible changes in leptin and ghrelin (2 hormones that contribute importantly to the central regulation of food intake) concentrations in this population are poorly described. The objective of the study was to evaluate the daily concentrations of leptin, nonacylated ghrelin, and acylated ghrelin and the appetite ratings in men working different shift schedules. Daily concentrations of nonacylated ghrelin, acylated ghrelin, and leptin and appetite were measured in 3 groups of subjects: workers on fixed night shifts (n = 9), fixed early morning shifts (n = 6), and fixed day shifts (n = 7). Appetite was evaluated by a validated questionnaire. Blood samples were collected every 4 hours over the course of 24 hours for a total of 6 samples. When comparing the 3 groups, leptin concentrations at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm for those workers on the day shift were significantly lower than for those on the early morning shift; and concentrations at noon for those workers on the day shift were significantly lower than for those on the night shift. Nonacylated and acylated ghrelin concentrations were significantly lower for those workers on the early morning shift than for those on the day shift. In general, appetite was the lowest in those working the early morning shift. Shift workers on the early morning shift have lower appetites and concentrations of leptin and nonacylated and acylated ghrelin than the workers on other shifts. Further studies are required to better understand the detailed needs of these individuals.