It's a common belief that metabolism simply slows with age, but the menopausal transition triggers something more abrupt and significant. With the onset of menopause, a woman's basal metabolism can decrease by up to 250–300 kcal per day. Without any changes to diet or exercise, this drop can result in an annual weight gain of 2 kg (about 4.4 lbs).

Recent scientific research reveals that when we eat can be as important as what we eat. Our bodies run on internal 24-hour clocks, known as circadian rhythms, that regulate everything from sleep to hormone secretion and metabolism by coordinating a network of "master" and "peripheral" clocks throughout your body. This article will share 5 surprising, science-backed truths about how aligning your meal schedule with these internal clocks can profoundly affect your metabolic well-being without being overly complicated.