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Published on: Aug 03, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Pulmonologist

What Is Mucormycosis & COVID-19 Associated With Mucormycosis ?

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infectious disease that can be caused by inhaling spores from the ubiquitous fungi. These organisms, commonly found in soil and composts are also present on fallen leaves or animal dung. Less contagious than other types of infections, mucormycosis mainly affects people who have weakened immune systems because it cannot spread like others that do not need an outside source to enter one's body via open wounds or cuts. Mucoromyces mean "fuzz," which describes their appearance when seen under a microscope with long branching filaments called pseudohistiocysts arising off these branched threads (hyphae).

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious angio-invasive infection caused by ubiquitous fungi. The spores of these fungi can be inhaled and then infect the lungs, sinuses, or extend into brain tissue to cause mucormycosis in people who are immunocompromised. Mucoromyces has been found all over Earth with it mainly affecting those living on farms due to contact from animal dung containing high quantities of this fungus type as well as compost piles where fresh manure falls leaves cover vegetable gardening beds that may have fallen nearby leading most cases occurring near woodland areas such before dorms at college campuses were previously thought responsible for respiratory infections since they might contain bacteria like tuberculosis which also needs oxygenated.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis, aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease and are associated with a high risk of serious illness. India has recently seen an increase in cases that present this way when compared to other countries where these types of fungus thrive. Prevention needs to focus on making sure people who suffer from Covid-19 maintain better glycemic control so they do not develop any fungal infection like Mucoromyces Cerealis (a subtype found more often outside India) which can cause pneumonia if untreated or brain damage if left too long without treatment because it is resistant both systemic corticosteroids/other.

Mucormycosis, an invasive fungal infection that can lead to death, has been reported in patients with severe COVID-19. The Indian government recently noted a surge of cases and the spread of this dangerous condition is attributed largely to poor glycemic control among those living with the disease or recovering from it.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease. India has seen an uptick of cases due to fungal infection caused by COVID-19 along with a surge in people who are severely affected because they were not diagnosed early on while fighting off the virus. Prevention for this type of fungus is increased monitoring when trying to apply systemic corticosteroids/other immunomodulating drugs on these patients just as much as it would be if there was no sign that someone had ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).

Mucormycosis is not contagious and does not spread by contact from person to person. This fungus has been found in the environment, but transmission occurs through inhalation or ingestion of spores from the environment. Although most cases are sporadic, healthcare-associated outbreaks have occurred after the use of adhesive bandages made out wood tongue depressors as well as linens with lackadaisical hygiene standards at hospitals that result in fungal exposure on surfaces like walls and floors which can lead to airborne infection if those areas aren't properly cleaned up soon enough. Mucormicosis primarily affects sinuses or lungs after inhaling spores from air when it's breathed directly into them.

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Do Late-Night Meals Cause Weight Gain? Let’s Uncover the Truth

Many of us have a habit of snacking late at night or even having a full meal right before bed. Whether it’s a busy schedule, late-night cravings, or watching movies with snacks, eating late has become quite common. But the big question is—do late-night meals cause weight gain?

Let’s explore what science says, how your body responds to late meals, and tips to manage your eating habits for better health and weight control.

Why We Eat Late at Night

In today’s fast-paced life, late-night eating often happens because of:

Long working hours or night shifts
Skipping meals during the day
Emotional eating or stress
Social gatherings or weekend habits

While occasional late-night eating may not harm you, making it a routine could have consequences—especially if the food choices aren’t healthy.

How Your Body Works While You Sleep

Your body doesn’t shut down at night—it continues working. However, the metabolism slows down because your body prepares for rest, not digestion. Late-night meals, especially heavy or sugary ones, are digested more slowly.

During sleep, your energy demand is low, so the extra calories consumed at night are more likely to be stored as fat rather than burned for energy.

Late-Night Eating and Weight Gain: What's the Link?

Several studies show that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Here’s why eating late may contribute to weight gain:

Calorie Surplus

Late-night meals usually come after you've already eaten enough during the day. So, you’re adding more calories than your body needs—leading to weight gain.

Poor Food Choices

People tend to eat unhealthy foods at night—like chips, ice cream, sugary drinks, or fast food. These high-calorie items with little nutrition easily lead to fat storage.

Hormonal Imbalance

Late eating can affect hormones like insulin, leptin, and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and fat storage. Disrupted hormonal patterns can make you feel hungrier the next day and crave more junk food.

Disrupted Sleep

Heavy meals before bed can cause bloating, acidity, or indigestion—leading to poor sleep. Poor sleep affects metabolism, increases hunger hormones, and makes weight gain more likely.

Common Myths About Late-Night Eating

Let’s bust a few myths:

Myth: Eating after 8 PM always causes weight gain.
Fact: It depends on how much and what you eat. A light snack at 9 PM is very different from a greasy burger at midnight.

Myth: Your body stores everything as fat at night.
Fact: If your total daily calories are under control and your food choices are healthy, you won’t automatically gain weight.

When Late-Night Meals Might Be Okay

Late-night eating isn’t always harmful—especially if:

You’ve had a long gap between meals
You're genuinely hungry (not just bored)
You choose a light and balanced snack like:
- A handful of almonds
- Greek yogurt
- A banana or boiled egg
- Warm turmeric milk

These foods are low in calories and promote better sleep.

Best Time to Eat Dinner

Nutrition experts recommend having your last major meal 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. For example, if you sleep at 10:30 PM, aim to finish dinner by 7:30–8:00 PM.

This gives your body enough time to digest food before you lie down, preventing bloating, heartburn, and excess fat storage.

Tips to Avoid Late-Night Overeating

Here’s how to manage your night-time hunger:

1. Eat Balanced Meals During the Day

Don’t skip breakfast or lunch. When you eat regularly, you’re less likely to feel hungry late at night.

2. Hydrate Properly

Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Drink water before reaching for a snack.

3. Plan Your Dinner Time

Set a regular time for dinner. Make it a light, protein-rich meal with veggies.

4. Don’t Eat Out of Boredom

Keep yourself busy. Sometimes a walk, a warm shower, or reading helps more than food.

5. Sleep on Time

Late sleepers are more likely to snack. A fixed sleep schedule helps control hunger hormones.

Healthy Late-Night Snack Ideas

If you truly need something to eat before bed, try:

Low-fat yogurt
Whole-grain crackers with peanut butter
A small fruit like apple or kiwi
Herbal teas like chamomile or tulsi

Avoid spicy, fried, or sugary foods—they’ll disrupt sleep and digestion.

What You Can Do for Weight Control

If you're struggling with weight or digestion, consider a weight management test panel. Thyrocare (via SecondMedic) offers:

Thyroid test – to rule out hormonal causes
Vitamin & lipid profile – for metabolic insight
Fasting glucose & HbA1c – for sugar levels

These tests help identify if late-night eating is affecting your metabolism or sugar levels.

Conclusion

So, do late-night meals cause weight gain? The answer depends on what, how much, and how often you eat late at night. Eating a heavy or high-calorie meal before bed regularly can absolutely lead to weight gain over time.

The key is to eat mindfully, stick to healthy choices, and maintain a consistent eating and sleeping schedule. Occasional late-night snacks won’t hurt—but turning them into a habit will.

To protect your health and manage weight, be aware of what you eat, and when you eat—because yes, do late-night meals cause weight gain? Absolutely, if you're not careful.

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