Eating at night? This is the damage you may cause to your liver

A comprehensive study led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), involving about 200,000 participants, found a direct link between eating late at night and a 20 to 30 percent increase in the risk of liver diseases, including fatty liver and cirrhosis. The researchers explain that the biological clock impairs nighttime metabolism, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and liver damage. However, only a small fraction of those with fatty liver will develop severe cirrhosis.

A new study led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, indicates a direct link between eating late at night and an increased risk of liver diseases. The researchers analyzed three large national databases, including self-reported dietary and lifestyle habits of about 200,000 participants. The data shows that among people who reported nighttime eating, there was a 20 to 30 percent increase in all types of liver diseases, compared to those who avoided it. Dr. Robert Wilchensky, the hepatologist who led the study, explained that the liver is attuned to the body's circadian rhythms. Dr. Andrew McHill, a sleep physiology researcher, added that eating at night, when the biological clock encourages sleep, reduces the body's ability to perform efficient metabolism, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and liver damage. Despite the findings, the researchers emphasize that only a small fraction of people who develop fatty liver will develop severe forms like cirrhosis. The key message is that limiting calorie intake to hours before sleep may be beneficial. The study authors warn that this is an observational study based on self-reporting, but note that it provides an important starting point. The OHSU team is recruiting participants for a new clinical trial to test the effect of advancing meal times.