People who eat a late dinner may burn less fat and have higher blood sugar than those who eat the same meal earlier, according to a new study.
The study looked at 10 men and 10 women in their 20s who were of a healthy weight. They were given the same meal for dinner at either 6 p.m. or 10 p.m., and all went to bed at 11 p.m.
Their blood was tested every hour for things like fat and sugar levels. It was found that those who ate late dinners had about 18% higher peak blood sugar levels and burned 10% less fat overnight.
The study looked only at healthy people, so the effects might be even more pronounced in people who are already obese or diabetic, said the study’s first author, Chenjuan Gu, from Johns Hopkins University.
The study also found that not everyone reacted to eating a late meal in the same way.
Jonathan C. Jun, from Johns Hopkins University, told Healthline that people who normally went to bed earlier had the worst results when given a late meal. People who normally ate food as late as 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., however, did not seem to be affected by the change.
Lisa K. Diewald of Villanova University, who was not involved in the study, told Healthline that the results show that it’s not just what and how much you eat, but when you eat it, that may affect your chances of having health problems like heart disease and diabetes in later years.
Diewald said that while dinner is usually the largest meal of the day for most adults, people should try not to eat large meals late at night. “Aim to eat your largest meal at breakfast or lunch if possible,” she said.
Article Source: Engoo Daily News