Are you a late-night eater? If you are, research suggests that you may be doing your health disservice.

Study Summary

New research, including 16 obese or overweight participants, found that:

• Eating later negatively impacted the hormone ghrelin, which regulates appetite, as well as reduced levels of the hormone leptin, which regulates feelings of satiety.
• This led to increased hunger, a slower burn of calories, and poor fat-related gene expression - all of which promoted fat gain.

The Hearty Take

Previously eating late at night was associated with an increased risk for obesity. Because of the population of the sample, the results may not be generalizable to those who are not obese or overweight. However, these results are an indication that eating close to bed-timeis likely not a health-promoting activity! Try to consume your last meal well before bed.