A habit many people consider harmless could have implications for long-term liver health, as new research suggests that eating after dinner may be associated with a higher risk of developing serious liver conditions.
The study, conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, analysed data from nearly 200,000 adults in the United States and found that people who regularly ate late at night had a 20 to 30 per cent higher risk of two liver diseases: cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
Both conditions can cause significant damage to the liver and, in some cases, contribute to the development of liver cancer.
Researchers believe the timing of meals may play an important role in how the body processes food. However, they stressed that further studies are needed to establish the precise relationship between late-night eating and liver disease.
Andrew McHill, an associate professor and sleep and circadian physiologist at Oregon Health & Science University, said the timing of daily activities, including eating, sleeping and exercising, could influence health outcomes.
Robert Wilechansky, a hepatologist and lead author of the study, explained that the liver operates in close coordination with the body’s internal clock, commonly known as the circadian rhythm. Eating at night may interfere with the body’s normal metabolic processes, making it less efficient at handling food.
The findings also raise concerns about people whose work schedules disrupt their natural sleeping and eating patterns. Previous research has associated irregular circadian rhythms with obesity and heart disease, particularly among night-shift workers.
Beyond meal timing, dietary choices remain an important consideration. Earlier studies have linked excessive consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks, including biscuits and crisps, to an increased risk of liver problems.
Although not everyone with liver disease develops severe complications, some forms of the condition can progress without obvious warning signs. Symptoms associated with cirrhosis may include persistent tiredness, reduced appetite, loss of sex drive, yellowing of the skin or eyes, itchy skin, nausea and vomiting.
The Oregon research team plans to investigate further whether changing eating schedules could help reduce disease risk, potentially offering a preventive approach without requiring people to change the types of food they consume.
The findings are particularly significant given that chronic liver disease accounts for more than 52,000 deaths annually in the United States, according to federal figures.
While the study highlights a possible link rather than proving that late-night eating directly causes liver disease, it adds to growing scientific interest in how daily routines and the body’s biological clock affect long-term health.
