In general, the theory behind eating frequent small meals compared to just three meals is that it will boost our metabolism, which in turn will burn more calories and therefore assist in our weight loss efforts. While this approach is well-accepted by many, the science behind the theory remains open for debate.
New research published online in the British Journal of Nutrition investigated associations between eating frequencies and body mass index, waist size, diet composition, and other lifestyle factors[1]. For this study, nutrition researchers collected information from 1,355 men and 1,654 women between 47-68 years of age and analyzed it for potential relationships to eating frequencies. The investigators reported that:
New research published online in the British Journal of Nutrition investigated associations between eating frequencies and body mass index, waist size, diet composition, and other lifestyle factors[1]. For this study, nutrition researchers collected information from 1,355 men and 1,654 women between 47-68 years of age and analyzed it for potential relationships to eating frequencies. The investigators reported that:
- A high eating frequency was associated with a greater percent of energy intake from carbohydrates and greater fiber intake.
- Dietary intake of fat, protein, and alcohol decreased with a higher eating frequency.
- A lower eating frequency was associated with less healthy lifestyle habits including smoking, higher alcohol consumption, and lower levels of physical activity.
- In men, but not women, consuming 3 or fewer meals per day was associated
- with a greater risk for central and overall obesity.
These are interesting study results that will keep the debate over eating frequency going full force. This new study suggests that eating more than three meals per day is associated with a healthier lifestyle and reduced obesity risk in men. However, it is important to remember that this is a study of associations and as such does not prove cause and effect. While this study supports the idea of eating frequently as part of a healthy lifestyle, many other studies have reported that eating frequently does not boost metabolism and does not promote weight loss. Clearly, well-designed human clinical trials will be needed to settle this debate. In the meantime if you are going to eat 5-6 meals per day, it is important to remember to consume appropriate portions of healthy choices. Eating at a high frequency provides more opportunities to over eat or make poor choices, so be sure to monitor your choices if you decide to adopt high frequency eating habits.so why not come visit us today