Adults who eat a late dinner could have an increased risk of developing obesity or diabetes according to a posting today from the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

"The findings are based on a small randomized crossover clinical trial," shares Jesse Slome, AACII's director.  "According to the researchers, a late meal alters metabolic markers during sleep. The change can affect overall health."

The study published online in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism was directed by Johns Hopkins University. According to the head researcher having a late dinner "induces nocturnal glucose intolerance. That reduces fatty acid oxidation and mobilization, particularly in earlier sleeper."

The research team recruited 10 male and 10 female healthy non-obese adults without diabetes. Participants were between ages 18 and 30 years old. They did not have sleep problems, and usually went to sleep between 10 PM and 1 AM.

The study found that after the late dinner, participants had higher glucose. Their delay in the triglyceride peak, lower free fatty acid mobilization, reduced dietary fatty acid oxygenation. They found that those who usually went to bed early (10 PM) were more likely to have metabolic dysfunction.

"On average the peak glucose level after late dinner was about 18% higher," the findings reported.   "The amount of fat burned overnight decreased by about 10% compared to eating an earlier dinner." Moreover, "the effects we have seen in healthy volunteers might be more pronounced in people with obesity or diabetes, who already have a compromised metabolism," and further work will be needed, Dr. Gu from John Hopkins concluded.

"The link between obesity and cancer risk is clear," states Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. "Research shows that excess body fat increases your risk for several cancers. They include breast cancer for women. And include colorectal, uterine, esophageal, kidney and pancreatic cancers." Millennials need to really understand the risk of cancer, Slome advises. "Consider the value of a small amount of cancer insurance to supplement costs not covered by your health insurance."

The American Association for Critical Illness insurance advocates for the importance of awareness and planning.  To learn more visit the organization's website at www.criticalillnessinsuranceinfo.org.