Late-Night Eating Linked to Higher Risk of Fatty Liver Disease, Study Shows
A new US study tracking nearly 200,000 participants reveals that eating late at night significantly increases the risk of fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis.
A recent study published in October 2026 in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology sheds light on the long-term health implications of late-night eating. Conducted by researchers from Oregon Health & Science University and institutions affiliated with Harvard Medical School, the research tracked 199,155 participants in the USA over a median period of 16 years.
The findings reveal that individuals who reported eating after dinner or close to bedtime faced a 36% higher risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and a 28% increase in the risk of cirrhosis compared to those without this habit. This association persisted even after researchers controlled for variables such as body weight, caloric intake, and physical activity. However, experts emphasize that this is an observational study, which does not definitively prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease occurs when fat accumulates in liver cells, exceeding 5% of the organ's weight. Most cases are linked to metabolic syndrome, characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and elevated blood lipids. Over time, the condition can progress to inflammation and cirrhosis, where healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue.
As scarring advances, the liver's ability to function is compromised, potentially leading to liver failure, the need for a transplant, or primary liver cancer. Professor Ziv Ben-Arie, head of the Liver Medicine Center of Excellence at Assuta Medical Centers, notes that while only a minority of individuals develop severe complications, the disease affects an estimated 30% to 40% of the adult population.
Prevention and Modern Risks
In the past, fatty liver was primarily associated with older adults, but recent years have seen a concerning rise in cases among children and adolescents. This trend is driven by modern lifestyles, including prolonged screen time, reduced physical activity, and unbalanced diets.
Prevention centers on lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a healthy weight, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity. Furthermore, new targeted medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration are now available for patients with significant liver scarring. Diagnostic tools such as FibroScan, a non-invasive technology using sound waves to measure liver stiffness, are readily available at medical centers including Assuta.
