For years, the idea that eating at night causes weight gain has been a commonly accepted belief. However, recent research suggests that nighttime snacking doesn’t necessarily pack on the pounds.

In fact, what and how much you eat – not the time of day – may be the most important factor when it comes to weight gain and loss.

Debunking the Myth

Many people still believe that eating after a certain time of day, often around 7 or 8 pm, will cause weight gain. However, studies show that there is no scientific evidence to support this belief.

One study conducted by researchers at BYU found that eating a small snack at night – such as a piece of fruit – did not lead to weight gain in women.

The study, which was published in the journal Eating Behaviors, followed 29 women for four weeks. The women were allowed to eat a snack between 7:30 pm and 9 pm, and the researchers found that they did not gain any weight during the study period.

Another study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, found that eating late at night did not lead to increased weight gain in healthy adults. The study, which was published in Obesity, followed 36 adults for eight weeks.

Half of the participants were allowed to eat a meal at night, while the other half were instructed to fast. At the end of the study period, the researchers found no significant difference in weight between the two groups.

What Matters Most

While eating at night may not cause weight gain, what you eat and how much you eat still matters. If you’re snacking on high-calorie, high-fat foods before bed, you may be more likely to gain weight.

However, if you’re choosing healthy snacks and watching your portion sizes, you can enjoy a late-night snack without worrying about the scale.

Related Article Nighttime snacking is okay

Researchers at the University of Texas found that people who ate a snack before bed tended to choose high-fat and high-sugar foods, while those who did not eat before bed tended to choose healthier options.

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed 52 adults for two weeks. The participants were allowed to choose their own snacks, and the researchers found that those who ate before bed consumed an average of 238 calories more per day than those who did not eat before bed.

Portion control is also important when it comes to nighttime snacking. Eating too much, regardless of the time of day, can lead to weight gain. It’s a good idea to choose a small, healthy snack and stick to one serving size.

Is Late-Night Eating Bad for Your Health?

While eating at night may not lead to weight gain, it could still have negative effects on your health. For example, eating too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep quality, which is essential for good health.

Consuming too much sugar before bed can also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can negatively impact your health over time.

It’s important to pay attention to your body and make healthy choices when it comes to nighttime snacking. If you find that eating at night disrupts your sleep or causes other negative side effects, it may be best to avoid eating before bed.

However, if you’re able to enjoy a small, healthy snack without any negative effects, there’s no reason to avoid nighttime eating altogether.

Conclusion

The myth that eating at night causes weight gain is not supported by scientific evidence. What you eat and how much you eat, regardless of the time of day, is the most important factor when it comes to weight loss and gain.

While nighttime snacking can be a healthy and enjoyable habit, it’s important to make smart choices and watch portion sizes to avoid consuming too many calories.