FoodIs skipping dinner a health risk? The truth behind weight gain, cancer and digestion issues

Is skipping dinner a health risk? The truth behind weight gain, cancer and digestion issues

You're not eating dinner? Scientists have thoroughly checked what this can lead to.
You're not eating dinner? Scientists have thoroughly checked what this can lead to.
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12:47 PM EST, December 26, 2023

Is there any truth to the claim that skipping dinner can positively influence our health and weight? Various theories surround this topic, one of the more popular ones being intermittent fasting, especially among celebrities. But is skipping dinner truly a key component of a healthy lifestyle?

Intermittent fasting and its role in cancer prevention: what does science suggest?

Intermittent fasting, also popularly referred to as IF, is growing in popularity, particularly among celebrities. But, does it only impact body weight, or can it also positively influence our health? According to studies published in "Cell Metabolism", implementing temporary periods of fasting can reverse obesity and the progression of type 2 diabetes in mice. So, could intermittent fasting be a part of cancer prevention?

Research conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health indicates that people who eat dinner at least two hours before sleeping have about a 20 percent lower risk of developing breast or prostate cancer. The key isn't simply avoiding dinner, but rather the timing of its consumption. Extending the interval between dinner and the first meal of the following day can significantly impact health.

The importance of dinner for the digestive system

Dinner also plays an integral role in our digestive system. Regularly eating dinner helps maintain bowel function and prevents digestive issues, such as constipation. A study published in the "Gastroenterology" journal found that those who regularly ate dinner experienced fewer digestive problems than those who opted to skip it.

Dinner is not a hindrance to a healthy lifestyle. Properly adjusted intervals between meals and choosing light, healthy dishes can positively influence both our physical and mental health. However, skipping dinner or eating it late in the evening necessitates understanding your body's needs and tailoring your diet to your preferences and daily activities.