The human body operates according to a natural circadian rhythm. This biological rhythm regulates many physiological processes, such as digestion and metabolism. As the day goes on, the body's ability to metabolize food gradually decreases, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Eating dinner before 7pm will help you lose weight in the following ways:

In tune with biological rhythms

Our metabolism is more efficient earlier in the day, so eating dinner early allows our bodies to process food and burn calories more efficiently. The best time to take advantage of this biological clock mechanism is to eat before 7pm.

However, eating dinner too late, even late at night, can affect your circadian rhythm, leading to slower digestion, more fat storage, and weight gain.

Improve digestion, reduce fat accumulation

Eating dinner earlier gives your digestive system enough time to break down food before bed. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that people who eat close to bedtime are more likely to experience indigestion, reflux, and poor sleep quality. All of which can hinder weight loss.

Not only that, when eating late, the body tends to convert calories into excess fat, instead of converting them into energy to supply cells.

Lower blood sugar

Eating too late can increase blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to weight gain and obesity. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania (USA) showed that eating later in the day tends to cause blood sugar to be higher, reducing fat oxidation, ultimately causing weight gain.

Conversely, eating an early dinner helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, thereby helping to maintain a healthy weight.

Promote healthy eating habits

When we eat early, we tend to plan our meals more carefully and choose healthier options. Meanwhile, eating late at night often makes us rush to get to bed. As a result, we tend to eat more than we need and gain weight, according to Healthline.