For Millennials eating a late dinner poses health risks including an increased likelihood of obesity and diabetes. *
“Research shows that excess body fat increases your risk for several cancers. They include breast cancer for women.”
Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance
Millennials who eat a late dinner could eventually lead to obesity or diabetes. The findings are based on a small randomized crossover clinical trial. According to the researchers, a late meal alters metabolic markers during sleep. The change can affect overall health.
The study published online in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Dr. Chenjuan Gu, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland discussed the study. Accoding to Dr. Gu, having a late dinner “induces nocturnal glucose intolerance. That reduces fatty acid oxidation and mobilization, particularly in earlier sleeper.”
The research team recruited 10 male and 10 female healthy non-obese adults without diabetes. Participants were between ages 18 and 30 years old. They did not have sleep problems, and usually went to sleep between 10 PM and 1 AM.
Almost 20% Higher Glucose, 10% Less Fat Burned, After Late Dinner
The study found that after the late dinner, participants had higher glucose. Their delay in the triglyceride peak, lower free fatty acid mobilization, reduced dietary fatty acid oxygenation. They found that those who usually went to bed early (10 PM) were more likely to have metabolic dysfunction.
“On average the peak glucose level after late dinner was about 18% higher,” Dr. Gu noted in a statement. “The amount of fat burned overnight decreased by about 10% compared to eating an earlier dinner.” Moreover, “the effects we have seen in healthy volunteers might be more pronounced in people with obesity or diabetes, who already have a compromised metabolism,” and further work will be needed, he concluded.
Obesity Linked To Cancer, Millennials Need To Plan
“The link between obesity and cancer risk is clear,” states Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. “Research shows that excess body fat increases your risk for several cancers. They include breast cancer for women. And include colorectal, uterine, esophageal, kidney and pancreatic cancers.” Millennials need to really understand the risk of cancer, Slome advises. “Consider the value of a small amount of cancer insurance to supplement costs not covered by your health insurance.”
“Obesity is also among the leading causes of elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD),” adds Slome. “Because heart attacks and strokes are real, awareness is vital. It is important to realize that while they generally happen at older ages, lifestyle and diet habits are critical.” In the United States, nearly 70% of adults are classified as overweight or obese.
Today, during open enrollment, consider employer critical illness insurance offered on a voluntary basis. “Read covered conditions and compare pricing,” Slome advises. “Comparing your offered group coverage to individual coverage available directly from insurance companies can save you money.“
Firstly, news source: Medscape June 16, 2020
Secondly, photo credit: Image by Shutterbug75 from Pixabay