Myth: Eating Carbs at Night Leads to Weight Gain

Many people believe that consuming carbohydrates at night leads to weight gain, often leading to restrictive meal timing and low-carb dinners.

The Journal of Obesity reports that weight gain is primarily influenced by overall caloric intake, rather than specific meal timing. Eating carbs at night does not cause weight gain if within daily calorie needs. Carbohydrates can aid muscle recovery and improve sleep quality when consumed in moderation in the evening. Understanding that total dietary balance matters more than timing can help alleviate concerns about nighttime carb intake and promote a flexible approach to meals.