• Published on: May 28, 2022
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is The Difference Between A Psychiatrist And A Psychologist?

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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialty training in psychiatry. They are able to prescribe medications, which is not something that psychologists can do. Psychologists have a doctoral degrees in psychology, and many of them specialize in psychotherapy - helping people work through their problems by talking about them. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed a residency in psychiatry. They are able to prescribe medications. Psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medications. Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology.

The main difference between psychiatrists and psychologists is that psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication, while psychologists are not. Psychiatrists may also provide therapy, while psychologists generally do not. However, many psychiatrists also provide therapy, and many psychologists prescribe medication.

Psychologists, on the other hand, usually have a doctoral degree in psychology but are not licensed to prescribe medication. Psychologists are generally considered to be experts in the assessment of behavior and cognitive functioning, while psychiatrists are considered to be experts in both assessment and treatment. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication. Psychologists are not medical doctors, and they cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists often have a PhD or a PsyD degree in psychology.

Psychologists have a PhD or a PsyD in psychology. They do not prescribe medications, but they can provide therapy and assessment services. Some psychologists do have prescribing privileges, but this varies from state to state. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychologists are not medical doctors, but they have graduate degrees in psychology and they can do psychological testing and therapy.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, while psychologists cannot. Some psychiatrists also do therapy, but many do not. Most psychologists do therapy. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, which psychologists cannot. Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology but cannot prescribe medications. Psychologists provide therapy, which psychiatrists also do. So, psychiatrists are both therapists and prescribers of medication, while psychologists are therapists only.

Psychiatrists generally do a more detailed evaluation of a person's mental state and symptoms to make a diagnosis, while psychologists may only administer standardized tests. Psychiatrists usually provide long-term treatment for people with serious or chronic mental illness, while psychologists often provide short-term treatment or therapy. Psychiatrists have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, whereas psychologists do not. psychiatrists can prescribe medication, whereas psychologists cannot.

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Do Late-Night Meals Cause Weight Gain

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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