When you eat may be just as important as what you eat. A recent study from Germany suggests that eating late, especially close to bedtime, can disrupt your body’s natural clock  and increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Researchers at the German Institute of Human Nutrition tracked 46 pairs of twins over five days to see how meal timing affects metabolism. Twins who ate earlier in the day, in sync with their sleep-wake cycles, had better blood sugar control. Those who ate late at night  showed signs of poorer glucose metabolism, which could increase the risk of chronic diseases over time.

Experts say our bodies are  designed to handle food better earlier in the day. Eating late can throw off the rhythm, making it harder to stay healthy. To support good metabolism, aim for bigger meals earlier and skip late-night snacking.

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Medical Xpress, July 7, 2025