Late-Night Eating Worsens Metabolic Health for Night Owls

A study of 287 women found night owls and early birds eat similar total calories, but night owls front-load risk by consuming most calories after 8 pm, near bedtime. This late-night eating is linked to higher BMI, more body fat (including visceral fat), and poorer glucose and lipid profiles, suggesting that meal timing—rather than calories alone—drives metabolic risk. Reducing late-night eating and shifting more protein-dense meals earlier in the day may protect metabolic health.