Late Breakfast Takers, Beware! Early Death Risk Rises by 29%

A study based on health and nutrition data of more than 31,000 adults in the United States indicates that meal times may also be an important factor for health.

Data of Over 31,000 Individuals Examined

In the study, the dietary habits of more than 31,000 adults aged 40 and older were evaluated alongside approximately 10 years of health records. When interpreting the results, the researchers also accounted for variables such as age, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, and chronic diseases.

The study's results indicate that it is not only the content of meals,that the time of consumption may also be linked to health indicatorswas highlighted.

Risk rises among those who eat the first meal late

When compared to those who consume the day's first caloric meal between 07:00 and 08:00, it was found that those eating later have a higher risk of early death

As the first meal shifts to the later part of the morning, the risk rises between 10% and 19%For those who postpone the first meal to the afternoon, this increase reached 29%

In this group, the risk of death from heart and vascular diseases was also found to be 46% higher

Eating after midnight attracts attention

The study also examined the timing of the last meal of the day. The lowest mortality risk was observed among those who consumed their final meal around 20.00.

In those who finished dinner before 19.00, the risk increased by 13%,a 27% increase was observed among those who ate after midnightwas found.

Late Eating Can Affect Metabolism

According to researchers, eating late at night can disrupt the harmony between the body's biological rhythm and metabolic processes. It was assessed that changes that may occur in glucose and fat metabolism could have long‑term health effects.

Dr. Zhilei Shan of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, who conducted the study, noted that meal times are an important signal for the body's biological rhythm.

Experts Issue 'No Definitive Conclusion' Warning

The studyis based on observational data, meaning that the results obtained should not be interpreted as a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Experts emphasize that the study's findings do not prove that eating late alone causes early death. Therefore, people are advised not to make major changes to their diets solely based on the study's findings, especially those with chronic illnesses or special nutritional needs should consult their doctors.