07/07/2025
Patient Question:
“Doctor, last night I had a proper dinner, but while watching TV, I got these intense cravings for something sweet. It felt uncontrollable—like I had to eat something. I looked it up online, and someone mentioned it could be due to not eating enough protein during the day. Is that true? And does this kind of late-night hunger have anything to do with weight gain?”
Answer:
This is actually a very common concern—and you’re absolutely on the right track with your thinking.
According to a study by The Obesity Society, insufficient protein intake during the day can cause blood sugar dips and energy crashes in the evening. As a result, your brain sends strong signals for quick energy—usually in the form of sugar and carbs.
Protein plays a key role in regulating appetite by helping balance important hunger-related hormones like ghrelin and leptin, while also keeping your blood sugar stable. That’s why it’s one of the most effective nutrients for reducing late-night cravings.
✅ What you can do:
Try adding more quality protein to your breakfast and lunch—think eggs, Greek yogurt, lean meats, or legumes. Many people notice that this alone drastically reduces their evening cravings and stabilizes both mood and energy.
