Eating dinner just before going to bed increases the risk of obesity.
Eating late at night increased the risk of obesity
Scientists have found that meals taken at 10pm instead of 6pm can increase hunger and reduce the number of calories burned.
It is thought that late dining has an impact on the appetite-regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin.
Researchers from the US conducted lab tests on 16 obese or overweight patients as part of the study.
Lead author Dr. Nina Vujovic said: "Eating four hours later makes a significant difference on hunger levels, the way we burn calories after we eat and the way we store fat."
Health experts have long warned against the dangers of late-night snacking and hope the findings can shed further light on why the habit causes chronic diseases.