If you are in the habit of eating late in the evening or at night, you may be at risk for more than just excess weight and heart problems, according to a new, large-scale study. Consuming food right before going to bed fundamentally disrupts liver function, significantly increasing the risk of liver disease.
Previous research has shown that regularly overeating in the evening or at night—consuming 30% or more of one’s daily caloric intake between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.—is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality from these conditions. Furthermore, late-night meals contribute to weight gain and abdominal obesity, where fat accumulates around the midsection and internal organs.
However, the consequences of late-night snacking may extend beyond extra calories, arterial stiffening, and poor blood glucose regulation. Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University (USA) have found that eating late in the evening is associated with a significantly higher risk of chronic liver diseases, specifically metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and cirrhosis.
In MASLD—a condition formerly known as “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”—excess fat accumulates in liver cells due to metabolic disturbances. In some cases, this condition can progress to cirrhosis, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue.
The researchers, whose paper has been accepted for publication in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, analyzed data from three large, nationwide studies. Collectively, these studies included nearly 200,000 participants who provided information about their eating habits, daily routines, and other lifestyle factors. The individuals were categorized based on their typical meal timing, and their medical records were analyzed for evidence of liver health issues.
The findings revealed a consistent link between late-night eating and the risk of developing liver disease. Those who habitually ate dinner or a snack late—shortly before bedtime—faced a 20–30% higher risk of developing MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) or cirrhosis compared to those who typically avoided eating late.
One potential explanation for this phenomenon relates to the body’s circadian rhythms—internal biological processes that help regulate sleep, metabolism, and other functions over a 24-hour cycle.
The liver, which plays a key role in processing nutrients, regulating blood sugar levels, and managing how the body stores and utilizes energy, is particularly sensitive to circadian rhythms. The researchers suggest that consuming food when the internal biological clock is set for sleep may disrupt metabolism, potentially leading to adverse effects on the liver.
Although these findings raise concerns regarding late-evening eating, the authors emphasized that the study cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The analysis was observational, meaning it identified an association between eating habits and health outcomes; it did not directly test whether changing meal timing could prevent liver disease. Furthermore, the study relied on self-reported data from participants, which included only broad descriptions of their eating habits.
These limitations mean that the observed association could potentially be explained by other factors. To determine whether eating earlier actually improves liver health, more carefully controlled studies are needed, the scientists concluded.
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