One Common Eating Habit Is Linked to Higher Risk of 2 Liver Diseases

Key Points:

• A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that late-night eating is associated with a 28% higher risk of cirrhosis and a 36% higher risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
• The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 participants over a median follow-up of 16 years, defining late-night eating as consuming food after bedtime or between dinner and bedtime.
• Researchers suggest that disruptions to circadian rhythms may impair the liver's ability to process food efficiently at night, potentially leading to fat buildup and metabolic issues, though direct causation has not been established.
• The study controlled for factors like age, BMI, and physical activity, and the association remained significant, but did not account for sleep timing or quality, indicating further research is needed.
• OHSU researchers are planning more detailed clinical trials to explore the effects of late-night eating on liver health, which could influence future nutritional guidelines for preventing chronic liver disease.