Nutritionist explained the effect of a late dinner on the figure

Eating late can have an impact on metabolism and sleep quality, but its role in weight gain is often overestimated. Anna Shafer, a nutritionist at the K+31 clinic on Lobachevsky Street, told Izvestia on April 20.

"A person's metabolism does not "shut down" in the evening. It continues to work, but at night the body is more focused on recovery rather than active energy expenditure. Therefore, heavy and heavy meals before bedtime are worse absorbed, but the key is the total number of calories per day, not the meal time," the specialist explained.

According to the doctor, insulin levels increase physiologically in the evening hours, which can increase cravings for high-calorie foods. This is especially true for people with insulin resistance, who are more likely to store excess calories as fat reserves. At the same time, in metabolically healthy people, the main role is played by a balanced diet throughout the day.

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Shafer noted that it is important to follow a diet plan for weight control. Dinner is considered optimal three to four hours before bedtime — this allows the body to digest food without unnecessary stress and reduces the risk of overeating.

The expert also stressed that the common rule of "not eating after six" is not universal. According to her, it is relevant only for those who go to bed early. With a later regime, skipping dinner can lead to breakdowns and late-night snacks.

The nutritionist paid special attention to the effect of evening meals on sleep. Heavy and fatty foods before bedtime can cause discomfort, heartburn and worsen the quality of rest. At the same time, a light dinner promotes stable sleep and prevents hunger at night.

In case of late hunger, the doctor allows light snacks, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, vegetables, or a small amount of nuts. If the total caloric content is observed, such products will not have a negative effect on the figure.

Internist, nutritionist Irina Nikulina told Izvestia on April 2 that an obsessive desire to eat sweets or pastries, even after a heavy meal, may be a signal of an internal imbalance in the body. According to her, fast carbohydrates attract the body as a source of instant energy, but their effect is short-lived.