Avoiding late-night snacking has long been a common piece of weight loss advice. It makes sense, given that numerous studies demonstrate a link between late-night eating leading to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity. However, up until this point, very few studies have looked into the specific reasons why late-night eating leads the weight gain and increased body weight. A recent study in the United States set out to find this out. They discovered that eating four hours later than usual altered a number of the physiological and molecular factors that encourage weight gain.
Here are 4 Reasons Why Late Night Eating Leads to Weight Gain and Obesity.
1- Overeating
The sleep-wake cycle known as the circadian rhythm tells your body when to eat, sleep, and wake up. Our circadian rhythm is a disciplined routine that most of us follow. When you eat or play at night, your circadian rhythm is disrupted, which can lead to a variety of problems, including weight gain. Ideally, nighttime is meant for sleeping.
2- Unhealthy Eating
How many of us consume healthy snacks at night? The majority of people have a nighttime craving for junk, fried, and unhealthy foods. An NCBI study explains the connection between adolescent obesity, food cravings, and sleep. Cravings, according to the research, hinder dietary intake, sleep, and weight gain. Age is also a significant factor in dietary changes, late-night eating, and obesity, according to the study. More youthful grown-ups are bound to have late-night voraciously consuming food meetings when contrasted with more established grown-ups.
3- Digestive Disturbances
You are more likely to experience nighttime abdominal pain if you eat close to bedtime. Even though digestion continues while you are asleep, it happens at a slower rate than during the day. When you sleep, you may cause the acid in your stomach to return to the esophagus and digestive tract. As a result, you might wake up with acidity at night.
Consumption patterns at night may also contribute to metabolic syndrome. Obesity is more likely because of this. Both snacking after dinner and metabolic syndrome have been linked.
4- Disrupts The Biological Clock
The sleep-wake cycle known as the circadian rhythm tells your body when to eat, sleep, and wake up. Our circadian rhythm is a disciplined routine that most of us follow. Your circadian rhythm is disrupted when you eat or play at night, which can cause a variety of issues, including weight gain. Nighttime should ideally be spent sleeping.
Conclusion
Eating at midnight, close to bedtime, or late at night is linked to weight gain. You are more likely to eat unhealthy food at night, which raises your risk even more, so it is critical to control your eating habits. Avoid eating or drinking for at least two hours before going to bed. In the long run, it prevents metabolic issues, weight gain, and obesity by providing ample time for digestion.