Snacking patterns influence energy and nutrient intakes but not BMI
I was just having a discussion with a patient the other day. She was still having occasional morning headaches, which may be a sign of hypoglycemia triggering cortisol release to break down lean muscle mass for glucose for the brain (which, incidentally, would be counterproductive to an exercise/lifestyle routine designed for weight loss…). So I suggested that she eat a healthy snack before bedtime to address the hypoglycemic issue. She got somewhat upset and said that her personal trainer did not want her eating anything after 7 or 8 o’clock. Hmm…insulin/cortisol dysregulation leading to weight gain, diabetes, CVD… or temporary weight loss. Tough call. Well, this article finds that snacking does not affect body mass index. I’ve never had a problem with patients snacking–it’s much more important what they are snacking on then when.
Synergy Abstract