Late night snacking, regardless of the frequency, poses a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and unfavorable health measures.
Late night snacking disrupts the body's internal clock, leading to unfavorable downstream effects on health and increased hunger the next day.
Chronotype, whether a person is a morning or evening person, may affect how the body responds to late night snacking, with evidence suggesting that being a morning person may have a different response.
Late evening consumption of food initiates a cascade of events culminating in inflammation, and the body is less effective at fighting these effects late in the evening.
Dr Sarah Berry is excited about the research and hopes to unravel some fascinating questions.
The Big If study will be of a size that we've never seen before. We'll get back to you in a few months with more news. What's the main takeaway from all of this?
Dr Sarah Berry emphasizes the importance of considering the quality and types of snacks when snacking, and advises against late night snacking to give the cells and digestive system a break.
Jonathan Wolff agrees, stating that late night snacking is not beneficial for the body's cells and digestive system.
The episode is part of The Big If Study, a clinical study on intermittent fasting's effects on mood, energy, and hunger. To participate for free, visit joinzoe.com/thebigif or the link in the show notes.