Health research links late-night eating to liver disease risks

New research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology has established a significant link between late-night eating habits and an increased risk of liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and cirrhosis. Analyzing data from nearly 200,000 participants across three large US-based studies, researchers found that individuals who regularly consume food after dinner or close to bedtime face a 20% to 30% higher risk of developing these conditions.

Experts suggest that the body's circadian rhythms play a critical role, as metabolic and digestive activities naturally decrease during the night. Eating during these biological night hours may interfere with the liver's ability to process nutrients efficiently. While the study is observational, researchers emphasize that adjusting meal timing—specifically avoiding heavy meals and snacking late in the evening—could serve as a beneficial lifestyle intervention to protect liver health.