Doing This After 9 p.m. Could Double Your Risk of Gut Issues

A new observational study links late-night eating under stress with more bowel problems and lower gut microbiome diversity.

Researchers analyzed survey data from over 11,000 people and microbiome data from more than 4,000 participants.

People with high stress who ate more than 25% of daily calories after 9 p.m. reported more constipation or diarrhea.

Presented at DDW 2026, the study suggests meal timing may worsen stress-related digestive issues, but it does not prove cause and effect.