The study investigated the link between changes in weight and the time span from the first meal to the last.This recent study looked at the link between change in weight and the timeframe from an individual's first meal to their last one. Almost 550 adults ages 18 and up participated in this research. The individuals had a minimum of one height and weight measurement recorded within two years before the enrollment period of the study. The average body mass index of participants was 30.
The timing of individuals' sleep and eating patterns allowed the research team to measure the timeframe from the first meal of every day to the last, the timeframe from waking up to the first meal of the day, and the time span from the last meal of the day to bedtime. They were able to pinpoint the average data for every single participant.Consuming fewer big meals may be more effective for weight loss than fasting.
The results? According to the study, the timing of meals was not linked to changes in weight throughout the follow-up period, which spanned six years. The timeframe from the first to the last meal of the day, from getting out of bed to consuming the first meal, from having the last meal to heading to sleep, and the total time sleeping all fall under this umbrella.
In addition, on the one hand, the amount of daily bigger meals that were over 1,000 calories and medium-sized meals between 500 to 1,000 calories were linked with weight gain during the six-year follow-up period. On the other hand, consuming fewer smaller-sized meals that were estimated to have less than 500 calories was connected to weight loss.
Needless to say, this research shows that consuming fewer big meals may be a more productive way to manage your weight—and lose weight—than doing intermittent fasting.Alexa is the Mind + Body Deputy Editor of Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and delivering compelling fitness, wellness, and self-care topics to readers.