Does drinking milk before bedtime lead to obesity?

Jul 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I've had some trouble sleeping at night, so I started drinking milk before bed. I was wondering, can drinking milk before bedtime cause weight gain?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi

Whether drinking milk before bedtime leads to obesity depends on multiple factors. Milk itself is rich in high-quality protein, calcium, and various vitamins, and moderate consumption can help supplement nutrition and promote sleep. However, milk also contains a certain amount of fat and sugar, especially whole milk, which has a relatively high caloric content. If an individual has already consumed sufficient calories before bedtime and then drinks additional milk without burning off the extra calories through increased physical activity or other means, it may lead to weight gain and potentially obesity over time. Whether milk consumption before sleep results in obesity also depends on the individual's daily diet, physical activity level, as well as the type and quantity of milk consumed. It is recommended to plan pre-sleep meals appropriately according to individual conditions and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If any physical discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.