New Research Links Late-Night Eating to Obesity and Heart Disease
New Research Links Late-Night Eating to Obesity and Heart Disease
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A recent study led by Prof. Olga Ramich at the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) reveals that eating late in the day negatively affects glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, SciTech Daily reported. Published in eBioMedicine, the research highlights how meal timing aligned with the body’s internal circadian clock is crucial for metabolic health.
The study involved 46 pairs of identical and fraternal twins without diabetes, who recorded detailed food diaries over five days. Researchers assessed each participant’s sleep-wake cycle (chronotype) and conducted glucose tolerance tests. They introduced the concept of the circadian caloric midpoint (CCM)—the time when 50% of daily calories are consumed relative to an individual’s biological clock.
Findings showed that individuals with an earlier CCM had better insulin sensitivity, lower body mass index, and smaller waist circumference. Conversely, late eaters exhibited poorer insulin sensitivity and higher obesity risk.
By comparing identical and fraternal twins, the study estimated that up to 60% of eating timing behavior is influenced by genetics, with the remainder shaped by environment and personal experience.
Ramich emphasizes the challenge of changing meal timing habits due to genetic factors and calls for further clinical trials to explore mealtime-based interventions. This research underscores the importance of personalized nutrition strategies considering both genetic and circadian influences on metabolism.
