Late-night eating linked to significantly higher liver disease risk

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 18:00 · Archive

Research examining 200,000 people found late-night eating associated with 20-30 per cent higher risk of liver disease.

Research examining approximately 200,000 people found late-night dining and snacking was associated with a significantly higher risk of liver disease. The study, published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology and conducted in the US, identified increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, where fat accumulates in the organ, and cirrhosis. People who reported eating post-dinner or after bedtime faced a 20 to 30 per cent increase in risk of developing all forms of liver disease compared with those who did not eat late.

Dr Robert Wilechansky, lead author from Oregon Health and Science University, said the liver is attuned to the body's circadian rhythms. He stated: '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.' 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.'

Dr Wilechansky cautioned that developing fatty liver disease does not necessarily lead to serious forms. He said: 'Of the people who developed fatty liver disease, only a small fraction develop serious forms of the condition like liver cirrhosis.'

How it is being reported

• Late night eating habit linked to up to 30% higher risk of liver diseaseEating after dinner or bedtime has been linked to a higher risk of liver disease, as researchers reveal that the time we tuck into our food could have a direct impact on your healthThe Mirror · 9 Oct, 16:54
• Late-night snack significantly increases liver disease risk, scientists warnStudy believes that confining your calorie intake to several hours before bedtime might help your healthThe Independent · 9 Oct, 16:00

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

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