Eating dinner just before going to bed increases the risk of obesity

Scientists have found that meals taken at 10 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. 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 that the findings can shed further light on why the habit causes chronic diseases.

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