Does going to bed a short time after a meal really can give you a podgy belly ?

Answer 1

No - this is misinformed gossip - nonsense.
Ignore the second half of 'penumbre's' (the personal trainer) answer - it is wrong.
A decent supper is a traditional meal. There are no negative consequences. In fact we are 'programmed' to sleep after a meal (the temporararily high levels of sugars in the blood at this time influence our brain to cause drowsiness).
Podgy bellies are the result of over-eating on a regular basis. It is not important when you eat, but how much you eat over a long period (several weeks).
There is a lot of misinformation about metabolism; whilst catabolic metabolism will decline when we are resting (obviously) anabolic metabolic rates are often higher at this time. Anabolic metabolism is to do with growth and repair. Ignore any reference to metabolism and weight loss. Concentrate only upon a healthy, delicious, balanced diet to suit your age, activity and height.
For reliable medical/scientific advice about diet and nutrition look here:

Answer 2

I only eat after 5pm and often munch on snacks before bed and I havent got a podgy belly, neither am I fat because of missing breakfast.
This is just another excuse for people having excess weight.

Answer 3

Your stomach will protrude some after eating any meal! Not just eating before bed.

If you have a podgy belly, you might need to cut back on your calories as a whole.

Answer 4

This is a common misconception, but there is no direct correlation. Your body will continue to burn calories when you are asleep. Pudgy bellies are the product of a calorie intake that exceeds your calorie consumption. So, in fact you could eat you food right before going to bed if your body required the energy to meet its needs and never gain a pound. Now, as far as sound habits are concerned eating just before bed time is not advisable. Most of us exceed our calorie intake over the course of a day, and having a large meal just before out metabolism slows down will result in the storage of excess calories as fat. You can also have one wicked case of indigestion (burp) - pardon me.

Answer 5

well there's more to it than just a podgy belly, it is recomended that you eat at least 3 hours before going to bed. when you lay down or sleep your metabolisem slows right down not giving your food time to digest properly. you will also often feel tired, hungry and lethargic when you wake. also the main cause of bad breath is undigested food.

Answer 6

Never eat a big meal before bedtime. If so wait at least an hour before turning in. Same thing before going for a swim. Cramps may occur. Some people have no effects. And some do.
Take care.

Answer 7

this depends.
If you eat normal meals throughout the day, and than eat again before bed, or wake up and eat than yes.
If your meal before bedtime is within your normal calorie range for the day than no. You should eat three to five small meals a day. this will keep you smaller. You're body adjusts itself to the calorie intake day to day, so it burns about the same amount as you eat. But if your overeating (late night, after you've already had dinner) you're body won't adjust to that, so it could cause a little pudge.
-nutrition major

Answer 8

Depending on the type of food u eat. If you eat food that have a lot carbonhydrate in it, you are likely to have a podgy belly because is has a lot of fat, but if you eat a good type of food you will be fine.

Answer 9

Yep. If you eat and keep moving you'll burn alot of it off, when when we eat and sit, well it doesn't go anywhere and stays there! Our heaviest meals should be in the morning and afternoon, then towards evening lighter as this is when we start slowing down.

Answer 10

ur body when asleep uses less calories than awake , therefore if u have a snooze after a big meal, usually attribuited to ur energy going to ur stomach to digest the food, u feel tired. and yes it will put on weight