Will drinking oatmeal porridge at night cause weight gain?
Disease description:
I like to eat oatmeal at night, but I have recently been trying to lose weight and am worried that eating oatmeal might cause weight gain. Therefore, I would like to know whether eating oatmeal at night will lead to weight gain.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Oatmeal itself is a high-fiber, low-fat food, rich in beta-glucan, which helps delay gastric emptying and increase satiety, thus having a positive effect on weight management. It contains approximately 84 calories per 100 grams and is rich in dietary fiber and trace elements. If consumed in appropriate amounts in the evening, and total calorie intake does not exceed energy expenditure, it generally will not lead to weight gain.
However, excessive intake, or failure to reduce consumption of other staple foods accordingly, may result in total calorie intake exceeding energy expenditure, leading to excess energy storage and thus increasing the risk of weight gain. Oatmeal is a coarse-fiber food; eating it at night may stimulate intestinal motility and increase nighttime bowel movements, which is not conducive to maintaining good sleep quality.
It is recommended that when consuming oatmeal porridge in the evening, one should choose unsweetened or low-sugar products, and适量 add some fresh fruit or a small amount of nuts as healthy toppings. Attention should also be paid to overall dietary structure and calorie control, avoiding overeating at dinner. Following these practices will not only prevent weight gain but also help maintain a healthy weight and good sleep quality.
