Study Links Late-Night Eating to 36% Higher MASLD Risk
Updated
Updated · Everyday Health · Oct 9
Study Links Late-Night Eating to 36% Higher MASLD Risk
3 articles · Updated · Everyday Health · Oct 9
Summary
More than 199,000 U.S. participants followed for 16 years showed late-night eaters were 36% more likely to develop MASLD and 28% more likely to develop cirrhosis.
About 4,500 people developed MASLD and 315 developed cirrhosis, with the association persisting after adjustments for BMI, diabetes, physical activity, alcohol use, calories and diet quality.
Researchers said the pattern may reflect circadian disruption, because eating close to sleep can clash with the liver’s internal clock for processing and storing nutrients.
The study was observational and could not prove causation or pinpoint exact meal timing, portion size or distance from bedtime; participants were mostly white healthcare professionals.
Experts said the findings support paying more attention to meal timing, but not alarm over occasional bedtime snacks; one coauthor suggested stopping food intake 2 to 4 hours before sleep.