Avoid eating just before your bedtime, study recommends

Conclusions Previous research suggests we may be better off consuming more of our calories earlier on in the day, when we have a full, active day ahead of us to use up the energy. It's also been observed that people who consume large calorific meals late in the evening can have a higher body weight. In a sense, the results of this study seem plausible and don't really say anything different from what's already been observed. But as this is a cross-sectional study, it can't really prove very much. The study involved a small, select sample of US university students. Their results can't be applied to everyone, as they have different lifestyles and sociodemographics from the general population. And a cross-sectional study can only show associations – it can't prove cause and effect. The participants' body weight was assessed at the same time as their food intake and sleep patterns. Though again it seems plausible, we can't assume that the students' lifestyle and eating habits have directly caused their current body weight. This study will doubtless contribute to the body of evidence around timing of food intake, relationship to the sleep-wake cycle, and body weight. But it provides little proof as a single piece of evidence. The best way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is to eat a balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fat and sugars, and to get regular exercise. Read more advice on how to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Links To The Headlines I...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Source Type: news