Does eating dinner at 10 p.m. cause weight gain?

Whether or not one gains weight mainly depends on the balance between total caloric intake and calories expended. Consuming food at ten o'clock in the evening, particularly food with a caloric content exceeding the body's remaining energy needs for the day, may lead to excess calorie intake, which can be converted into stored fat and cause weight gain.

However, weight gain also depends on an individual's overall energy balance, the types and portions of food consumed, and daily activity levels. If total caloric intake and energy expenditure remain balanced, eating at a relatively later time does not necessarily result in weight gain. It is recommended to choose low-fat, high-protein foods rich in dietary fiber for dinner, avoid high-sugar and fried foods, control portion sizes, and maintain regular physical activity. These practices can effectively manage body weight and support a healthy lifestyle.

Metabolism tends to slow in the evening; consuming excessive high-calorie foods at this time without sufficient physical activity to burn off those calories may contribute to weight gain. Eating too late at night can also affect sleep quality, which in turn impacts overall body metabolism and health. Therefore, it is advisable not to have dinner too late and to opt for light, easily digestible meals to maintain good health.