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An American study has warned that eating late at night, or having snacks before bedtime, may be linked to an increased risk of liver diseases, including fatty liver and liver fibrosis.
The study included data from 199,155 people, with an average age of about 59 years, as researchers tracked their dietary habits and lifestyles over an average of 16 years, collecting information every two to four years.
The results showed that people who were accustomed to eating between dinner and bedtime, or after their usual bedtime, had a 28% higher risk of developing liver fibrosis, and the risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increased by 36%, compared to those who ate earlier.
Fatty liver occurs as a result of fat accumulation in the liver, and it may develop over time into inflammation and scarring, which affects the functions of this vital organ.
The association remained consistent even after accounting for other factors, such as age, weight, and physical activity level.
Researchers suggest that the reason may be related to the effect of late-night eating on the body's biological clock, as the liver follows a circadian rhythm that regulates metabolic processes. Eating at inappropriate times may disrupt these processes, contributing to the accumulation of fat inside the liver.
The study authors pointed out that meal timing may be an important factor in maintaining liver health and preventing its diseases, but they emphasized that the results do not prove that eating at night directly causes these diseases.
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