A study published in Nutrition & Diabetes suggests that eating late at night may raise the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, looking at how meal timing, frequency, and food quality affected long-term health outcomes.
The findings show that people who frequently eat after 9 or 10 PM, especially those who snack on processed or high-calorie foods, face a higher risk of cancer mortality. Night eating was also associated with increased risks of diabetes and all-cause mortality, but the cancer link stood out as particularly concerning. The study highlights that it is not just the number of calories consumed, but when and what type of food is eaten, that can influence disease risk.
Researchers explained that late-night eating disrupts circadian rhythms, the body's natural clock that regulates metabolism and cell repair. This disruption may weaken the body's ability to fight abnormal cell growth, potentially contributing to cancer development. Poor food quality- such as sugary snacks or fried foods- further compounds the risk by driving inflammation and metabolic stress.
While the study does not prove that night eating directly causes cancer, it provides strong evidence that meal timing and food choices play an important role in long-term health. Experts advise finishing dinner at least two to three hours before bedtime, choosing lighter options if hunger strikes late, and focusing on nutrient-dense foods rather than processed snacks.
The researchers emphasized that lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining regular mealtimes and improving diet quality, could help reduce cancer risk and support overall metabolic health. They also called for further studies to explore how age, genetics, and lifestyle factors interact with night eating patterns.
Courtesy: Nature & Diabetes
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