Late-night snack significantly increases liver disease risk, scientists warn

Late-night snack significantly increases liver disease risk, scientists warn Study believes that confining your calorie intake to several hours before bedtime might help your health - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Eating late at night has long been linked with gaining body weight, but scientists now suggest it may directly affect liver health. New research examining roughly 200,000 people across three studies found late-night dining and snacking was associated with a significantly higher risk of liver disease. Published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the study revealed that people who eat post-dinner or after going to bed face an increased likelihood of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, where fat accumulates in the organ, or cirrhosis. Lead author Dr Robert Wilechansky, from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), said: "We know the liver is very much in tune with the body’s circadian rhythms. "So we’re interested in changing the timing of eating in a way that could make a difference in health without changing the composition of what people eat." The study in the US population found a 20 per cent to 30 per cent increase in all forms of liver disease among people who reported late-night eating compared with those who did not. “It’s important to remember, of the people who developed fatty liver disease, only a small fraction develop serious forms of the condition like liver cirrhosis,” Dr Wilechansky said. “Even so, the big take-away here is that confining your calorie intake to several hours before bedtime might be beneficial.” Dr Andrew McHill, a sleep and circadian physiologist at OHSU, said: “We are seeing over and over again that the timing of behaviours, whether it’s sleep, eating or exercise, really matters. “For example, we have shown that eating during the night, when the internal biological clock is promoting sleep, reduces the ability of your body to metabolise foods as efficiently and can eventually lead to obesity, diabetes and now poor liver health.” There are many different types of liver disease and some have no symptoms. Symptoms of cirrhosis include feeling very tired and weak all the time, loss of appetite, loss of sex drive, jaundice, itchy skin and feeling or being sick. Earlier this year, a study found people grappling with stress who also indulge in late-night snacking may be delivering a "double hit" to their gut health. Experts suggest this combination could significantly increase the risk of bowel problems. A study by US researchers, analysing data from over 11,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, found a clear link. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments