The advice to “not eat after 6 p.m.” has been considered a universal rule for weight loss for decades. It has been repeated by trainers, bloggers, and even some doctors. However, new scientific research shows that a strict ban on dinner after 6 p.m. not only does not help you lose weight, but can sometimes harm your metabolism.
Experts from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston have found that the time of dinner itself is not decisive. The overall diet, circadian rhythms, physical activity level and hormonal balance have a much greater influence. According to the researchers, dinner at 6 p.m. and a light snack at 9 p.m. can only produce different results when sleep patterns or physical activity change.
Eating late can indeed increase hunger the next day, but the reason lies not in the "magic" hour. Eating dinner at a time when the body is already preparing for sleep affects the satiety hormones - leptin and ghrelin - which can shift appetite.
Despite this, scientists emphasize: there is no evidence that 6:00 PM is the critical limit. It is much more important not to overeat before bedtime, avoid heavy meals, and maintain a stable daily routine.
Nutritionists note that the rule "do not eat after six" can be harmful for people with a shift schedule, late work or evening workouts. In such cases, a long break without food provokes breakdowns and uncontrolled snacking.
The current recommendation is much simpler: eat dinner two to three hours before bedtime and choose light meals. This helps maintain healthy circadian rhythms, normal digestion, and energy levels.
Thus, the ban on eating after 6:00 PM is more of a popular myth than a real rule. Experts advise listening to your own body and building a diet according to individual needs.
