Genes encoding the transcription factors controlling the core circadian oscillator (BMAL, Clock, NPAS, Per) and their regulatory targets (Rev-erb.alpha., Rev-erb) have been found in adipose tissue. The circadian pattern of these genes was entrained using restricted feeding. The circadian gene expression profiles were examined in mice and in undifferentiated and adipocyte-differentiated human adipose stem cells following exposure to nuclear hormone receptor ligands (dexamethasone or thiazolidinedione) or 30% fetal bovine serum. All three agents induced the initiation of a cyclic expression profile in representative circadian genes in the human adipose stem cells. The circadian genes studied displayed an oscillatory expression profile, characterized by both a zenith and nadir within a 24-28 hr phase. The circadian gene pattern has been lengthened with use of an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta. Modulation of the circadian pattern to lengthen or shorten can be used to affect weight gain or loss, respectively.