Find Your Specialty 813-433-2277

Myles Spar, MD, Explains Why Eating Late at Night Could Be More Harmful Than You Know

Myles Spar, MDAs an integrative medicine specialist who has long touted the benefits of intermittent fasting, I propose that the phrase “Netflix and chill” be changed to “Netflix and snack.” After all, doesn’t it more accurately describe the way many of us spend our evenings?

According to a 2013 study published in the journal Obesity, people say they are most hungry in the evening, regardless of how much or when they’d eaten throughout the day. But whether you’re inhaling chips while binge-watching a show or waking up to raid the fridge for a midnight snack, eating late at night could be more harmful than you know. Health problems associated with nighttime eating include:

Heart Disease

A 2017 study at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City found that going against our natural daytime eating habits can raise triglyceride levels, which in turn can contribute to the development of heart problems.

Diabetes

Eating late at night can increase your risk of developing diabetes, according to a University of Pennsylvania study. Researchers found that delayed eating may cause elevated glucose and insulin levels, both of which have been associated with type 2 diabetes.

Weight Gain

The U.S. News & World Report cites two studies that link late-night eating to weight gain. One study showed that people who eat most of their food at night have higher body mass indexes (BMIs) than daytime eaters. The other study found that participants who ate between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. gained more weight and consumed 12% more calories than those who didn’t eat during those hours.

Heartburn

Eating meals or snacks at night can lead to acid reflux disease. In a New York Times editorial, reflux specialist Jamie Koufman explains that many of the patients who come to him complaining of chronic heartburn are those who habitually eat meals or snacks at night.

So, in light of all these findings, what’s the moral of this story?

The next time you’re sitting down to Netflix and chill, just avoid the snack.

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
Plan Your Visit. Meeting Information
Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
Meet Our Staff Read All Reviews
Boards
Careers
Login
Contact