Late-night eating linked to significantly higher liver disease risk

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 07:55 · Archive

Research on 200,000 people found late-night eating increased liver disease risk by 20 to 30 per cent.

US research on about 200,000 people across three studies has found that eating after dinner or after bedtime is linked to a significantly increased risk of liver disease. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found late-night eating was associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, where fat builds in the liver, and cirrhosis. The research showed a 20 to 30 per cent increase in all forms of liver disease among people who reported late-night eating compared with those who did not.

Robert Wilechansky, lead author from Oregon Health and Science University, said the liver is attuned to the body's circadian rhythms. He said researchers were interested in changing the timing of eating in a way that could improve health without altering what people eat. He noted that of people who develop fatty liver disease, only a small fraction go on to develop serious forms like cirrhosis, but suggested confining calorie intake to several hours before bedtime might be beneficial.

Andrew McHill, a sleep and circadian physiologist at OHSU, said timing of behaviours such as sleep, eating and exercise matters significantly. Cirrhosis symptoms include tiredness, weakness, loss of appetite and sex drive, jaundice and itchy skin.

How it is being reported

• Late-night meals and snacks linked to liver diseaseResearch on about 200,000 people across three studies has found late-night eating is linked to a significantly increased risk of liver disease.Perth Now · 10 Oct, 07:40
• Late-night meals and snacks linked to liver diseaseResearch on about 200,000 people across three studies has found late-night eating is linked to a significantly increased risk of liver disease.The West Australian · 10 Oct, 07:40

In this story: Robert Wilechansky · Oregon Health and Science University · Andrew McHill · United States

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