Late-night eating, especially bad meals, might affect belly fat. Considerations for late-night eating and its effects:
Late-night eating might boost daily caloric intake. If nocturnal calories exceed energy needs, weight gain, particularly belly fat, may result.
Nighttime metabolism is lower than daytime metabolism. Late-night calories may be digested less efficiently, leading to fat accumulation.
Late-night eating may affect insulin. Late-night carbohydrate and sugar consumption can raise blood sugar and cause insulin resistance. Abdominal fat accumulates with insulin resistance.
Food-related hormonal reactions fluctuate throughout the day. Late-night eating can affect hunger and satiety hormones. This disruption may increase hunger and overeating.
Sugary, fatty, and processed nibbles are common late-night snacking. Poor diets can lead to weight increase and belly obesity.
Large meals before bedtime can disrupt sleep. Poor sleep can cause appetite-regulating hormone changes, unhealthy food cravings, and weight gain.
Late-night eating can disrupt circadian rhythms, which regulate metabolism. Circadian rhythm disruptions may affect metabolic health and weight.