Photo Courtesy: audacy.com

By: William Armstead

Washington, DC- There is a common myth that eating right before bed can contribute to weight gain. However, the claim is false.

The claim also leads people to believe that they can maintain a specific weight or even lose a few pounds if they don’t eat after a certain time at night. This is also false.

Weight gain is based on the total number of calories consumed rather than the time they were consumed. If an individual is attempting to lose weight, they should be more focused on eating healthier foods throughout the day and keeping track of their calorie intake instead of worrying about eating past a specific time at night.

For example, an individual may have a calorie intake limit of 2,000 calories per day. As long as they don’t exceed that limit, they will not gain weight, whether the 2,000 calories were consumed all at 11:00 p.m. or throughout the day. It is recommended to consume three meals a day for good nutrition, and this is also important so that overeating does not occur later in the day, which can, in fact, lead to weight gain. Therefore, late-night eaters should pay attention to portion sizes to ensure they are not overeating.

Eating before bed may not lead to weight gain, but it does have other effects. Eating right before bed can lead to acid reflux, which can be uncomfortable and disrupt sleep. This is especially common with eating spicy foods or foods that are high in acid before bed. A full stomach right before going to bed can also cause bloating, making it hard to fall asleep as well as stay asleep.

Eating right before bedtime does not directly cause weight gain. However, it can affect other aspects of the body that can indeed hinder sleep quality.