Myth: Eating Late at Night Causes Weight Gain

Many believe that eating late at night leads to weight gain, prompting people to avoid late meals or snacks to maintain a healthy weight. This myth often arises from misconceptions about metabolism and food timing.

In reality, weight gain occurs when there is a caloric surplus, regardless of the time of day. Research published in the journal Obesity found that the timing of meals does not significantly affect weight loss or gain as long as caloric intake is managed. Factors such as overall diet quality, portion control, and physical activity play a more crucial role in weight management than meal timing. Eating late at night can be part of a healthy diet if portion sizes are controlled and food choices are balanced. Understanding that weight gain is determined by total caloric intake rather than the timing of meals can help individuals develop healthier eating habits without unnecessary restrictions.