Late-night eating linked to increased liver disease risk

A long-term study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology has linked late-night eating habits to an increased risk of liver disease. Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed data from nearly 200,000 adults over a median period of 16 years.

The findings indicate that individuals who consume food late at night, specifically between dinner and bedtime or just before sleeping, face a 36% higher risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and a 28% higher risk of developing cirrhosis. These correlations remained significant even after adjusting for variables such as age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and physical activity levels.

Lead author and hepatologist Dr. Robert Wilechansky suggests that the connection may be tied to circadian rhythms, as the liver follows internal biological processes to regulate metabolism. While the observational study does not establish direct causality, scientists are planning clinical trials to investigate whether advancing meal times can provide preventative health benefits.