Dr. Gérald Kierzek challenges the belief that evening carbs automatically cause weight gain, emphasizing the role of overall daily balance over meal timing.
Evening carbs not automatically bad
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, an emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo, argues that eating carbohydrates in the evening does not automatically lead to weight gain.Popular belief challenged
A common belief is that carbohydrates eaten after a certain hour are converted into fat during the night. Dr. Kierzek humorously compares this idea to the body pressing a "storage" button at 8 p.m.Body considers overall balance
Dr. Kierzek explains that the body does not just react to the time of eating but to the overall balance of energy intake and expenditure throughout the day. This aligns with the principle stated by the National Health Insurance, which emphasizes that weight gain is mainly due to a prolonged excess of energy intake over expenditure.Timing not the only factor
While some studies in chrononutrition suggest meal timing can influence weight, the results are varied. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that carbohydrates eaten after 8 p.m. cause weight gain on their own. The timing of dinner is less important than the overall meal, portion sizes, and daily habits.Portion size and accompaniments matter
The real issue is often the portions and what accompanies the carbohydrates. Dr. Kierzek highlights that foods like rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread are not the main culprits. Instead, he points out that added ingredients can make a meal more calorie-dense and contribute to weight gain.
