Late night snacking? Blame your brain

Researchers find link between late night eating and brain activity

DETROIT – If you're finding yourself doing some late night eating -- blame your brain.

Brigham Young University researchers discovered that snacking at night occurs because some areas of the brain are not satisfied because food is not as rewarding at night.

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The study measured how people's brains respond to high and low calorie food images at different times of the day. The results showed that images of high-calorie food can generate spikes in brain activity, but those responses are lower in the evening.

The study also discovered that people were more preoccupied with food at night even though their hunger and fullness levels were the same at other times of the day.


About the Author:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.