An analysis carried out with more than 34,000 adults in the United States has revealed that the practice of having a late dinner could harm us. It can disrupt the body's natural rhythm in processing nutrients, thereby increasing the risk of health problems.
Late dinner modifies metabolism
Two recent studies published in the journal Cell Metabolism delve into this topic. A dinner or a simple “snack” in the early morning can harm us. Late dinners are associated with an increased risk of obesity. It can promote the accumulation of body fat and inability to lose weight.
Frank Scheer is a professor at Harvard Medical School and co-author of one of the studies. He commented in a press statement: “We wanted to understand why.”
Regulating satiety and hunger is the secret
The regulation of feelings of satiety and hunger is linked to two specific hormones: leptin and ghrelin. Scheer participated in a second study that examined the impact of eating schedules in relation to the sleep schedules of 16 patients.
Various variables were investigated, including the presence of these hormones in the participants' blood, but instead of modifying the caloric balance of the meals, the team altered the timing at which they were consumed. Although participants received the same menus for three daily meals, a four-hour change in schedules was implemented.
They assessed leptin and ghrelin levels and used indirect calorimetry. It is a technique based on the analysis of the oxygen consumed and the carbon dioxide produced by each participant that measures energy consumption. They also examined the adipose tissue of some participants to study possible variations.
Most adults eat dinner late
According to recent research on eating habits involving more than 34,000 American adults, nearly 60 percent said eating after 9 p.m. was normal for them.
Marie-Pierre St-Onge, a nutrition and sleep expert at Columbia University, explained that our bodies have evolved to process nutrients during the day and store energy at night. Making changes to this natural rhythm can cause problems, according to her conclusions.
Eating dinner close to bedtime can have various health effects as it interferes with the body's natural processes during sleep.
Problems associated with late dinner
- It can contribute to sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
- Some research suggests that eating late may be associated with an increased risk of weight gain.
- Alter and interrupt the heart rhythm.
- It can cause digestive problems, such as heartburn, indigestion, or abdominal discomfort.
In general, it is advisable to eat dinner at least a few hours before bedtime to allow the body to properly digest and reduce the risk of health problems associated with eating close to bedtime. Establishing healthy eating habits and respecting the body's natural rhythms can contribute to better overall well-being.
