Eating late at night increases the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Slower Metabolism: At night, the body's ability to process glucose (blood sugar) slows down. Consuming food when the body is less efficient at using glucose can lead to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
Fat Storage: Late-night eating can lead to the body storing more calories as fat rather than using them for energy, contributing to weight gain over time.
Leptin and Ghrelin: Leptin is the hormone that signals fullness, while ghrelin triggers hunger. Late-night eating can interfere with the normal function of these hormones, leading to increased hunger and overeating, particularly of calorie-dense, high-fat, and high-sugar foods.
Insulin: Eating late at night can impair insulin sensitivity, which means the body struggles to effectively process sugars, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
People who eat late at night are more likely to snack on high-calorie, processed foods. This can result in consuming more calories than the body needs, contributing to weight gain and obesity over time.
Studies show that late eaters tend to eat larger portions and make less healthy food choices, which further increases the risk of metabolic disorders.
Poor Sleep and Weight Gain: Sleep deprivation is linked to weight gain, as it disrupts hunger-regulating hormones and can increase cravings for unhealthy foods. People who eat late at night often experience poorer sleep, which creates a cycle of overeating and weight gain.
Impaired Glucose Regulation: Sleep disruption caused by late eating can also lead to impaired glucose regulation, raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.