This Common Snacking Habit Could Increase Your Chance of Liver Disease by 30%, Study Finds
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology involving nearly 200,000 participants found that eating after dinner was associated with a 20% to 30% higher risk of developing liver diseases, including cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
- Experts highlight that meal timing matters because our metabolism follows a circadian rhythm, and late-night eating may disrupt normal metabolic processes, potentially increasing liver disease risk.
- Late-night eating may also worsen acid reflux, contribute to excess calorie intake, and affect blood glucose regulation, though the impact varies depending on individual factors and meal size.
- While occasional late-night snacks are not inherently harmful, researchers suggest avoiding food intake two to four hours before bedtime when possible, emphasizing sustainable routines over rigid rules.
- The study is observational and based on self-reported data, so it shows association rather than causation; overall liver health depends on multiple factors including diet quality, physical activity, and sleep patterns.
