Specialists from the Open University of Catalonia, who published their results in the journal Nutrition Diabetes, part of Nature, revealed unexpected risks of late meals. An international group of scientists conducted a large-scale study of the impact of meal times on metabolic processes in the body. They found serious changes in metabolism in people who consume more than 45% of daily calories after 17:00, reports Planet Today. The key problem becomes a violation of carbohydrate metabolism, which can provoke the development of various chronic diseases. Previously, most experts have linked evening meals predominantly to weight gain, but the new findings significantly expand the understanding of the problem. The research team examined 26 volunteers in the age range of 50 to 70 years old who had weight problems or a predisposition to diabetes. The participants were divided into two contrasting groups with different eating schedules. Despite identical diet and calorie intake, the second group, which consumed the bulk of their meals after 5 p.m., showed a significant deterioration in metabolic performance. Scientists emphasize a biological feature of the human body: by evening, the ability to process glucose is significantly reduced. This means that the timing of meals is no less important than their quantity and composition. Late meals can trigger chronic inflammation, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and disrupt metabolic processes. Experts' practical recommendations boil down to a few key points: shifting the main meals to the first half of the day, minimizing carbohydrates and fatty foods in the evening, and choosing light and balanced snacks.