Slower Metabolism at Night: During nighttime hours, the body's ability to metabolize glucose slows down. Eating when glucose processing is less efficient can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and a higher risk of insulin resistance — a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Increased Fat Storage: Consuming food late at night may cause the body to store more calories as fat rather than burning them for energy, which can contribute to gradual weight gain.
Hormonal Disruption - Leptin and Ghrelin: Leptin signals fullness, while ghrelin stimulates hunger. Late-night eating can disrupt the balance of these hormones, increasing appetite and the likelihood of overeating — especially high-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods.
Reduced Insulin Sensitivity: Late eating may impair the body's insulin sensitivity, making it harder to process sugar effectively. Over time, this can heighten the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Poor Food Choices and Overeating: Late-night eaters are more prone to consuming calorie-dense, processed snacks. This often results in exceeding daily calorie needs, leading to weight gain and increased risk of obesity.
Larger Portions and Unhealthy Decisions: Research shows that individuals who eat late tend to consume larger portions and make less nutritious food choices, further elevating the risk of metabolic issues.
Sleep Disruption and Weight Gain: Poor sleep is strongly linked to weight gain due to its impact on hunger hormones and cravings. Late-night eating can reduce sleep quality, fueling a cycle of fatigue, poor dietary choices, and weight gain.
Impaired Blood Sugar Control: Late eating not only disrupts sleep but also hampers glucose regulation, increasing the likelihood of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.