Have you ever heard from your grandparents that you must wrap your dinner up before the sundown? An old saying, is today's science, as a US doctor, Dr Ashley Lucas, PhD nutritionist and dietitian explains why is it beneficial to eat your dinner early. Lucas says that the ideal time to have dinner can in fact help you lose weight and shed some extra pounds. Rising Cases Of Obesity in the USThe US is grappling with the rising cases of obesity. More than 2 in 5 adults are obese, which makes it nearly 42% of the population, as per the data by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Several studies too have predicted that by 2050, the United States may face an obesity epidemic. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain kinds of cancer. This is why maintaining an ideal weight for body is crucial for a healthy living. What Did The Expert Say?While eating a well balanced food is necessary, the time when you have your dinner really matters. Dr Lucas says that there is a golden rule for having dinner. The way to know is to follow the sun, as it is in this pattern that regulates hormones. "The ticket to success is really to follow the sun. Our bodies, metabolism, and hormones are most efficient at digesting and metabolizing food during daylight hours. So, aim to wrap up your dinner by 6 to 7pm and strive for a 12-hour gap before your next meal," said Dr Lucas in an Instagram video. Why Does The Time Matter?"If you eat close to your bedtime, then your sleep is not going to be as deep," she says. "Well, munching close to bedtime can affect your sleep quality, leading to less restful nights. Plus, there are some genetic factors that link late night eating to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes," she further added. There are studies too that also suggest the same. However, skipping meal is also not ideal as it hinders your biological clock and sleep. What Happens When You Eat Late?Eating late could lead to acid reflux, and also weight gain. The theory that suggests the weight gain is called food-induced thermogenesis, which is the time your body takes to burn the food you eat. This is higher in the morning and lower in the evening. This is why, wrapping up your dinner by 7pm is ideal. However, more research is still required in this field.There are also numerous studies that show that eating late may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. It is a group of conditions that includes insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. If you also go to bed shortly after having a feal, it may increase the risk of acid reflux. This happens when acid in stomach begins to irritate the esophageal lining. If it happens for a long time, it could cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Eating late could also lead to overeating, or choose easy, especially foods which are unhealthy. A study also showed that among the 104 people with obesity, 45% chose sweets as the snack of choice in the evening and night.