Even when men ate the same number of total calories, those who ate fewer meals were still more likely to be obese, meaning it’s not just about how much they eat, but when and how often.
Scientific Claim
In middle-aged men, the association between low eating frequency and obesity is not explained by differences in total energy intake, suggesting that meal timing or behavioral patterns may independently influence body fat accumulation.
Original Statement
“Eating three or fewer meals per d was also associated with increased likelihood of general and central obesity in men when adjusting for total energy intake, lifestyle and dietary factors.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The phrase 'not explained by' implies exclusion of confounding, but residual confounding remains possible. The study design cannot prove independence of effect, only statistical adjustment.
More Accurate Statement
“In middle-aged men, the association between low eating frequency and obesity persists after statistical adjustment for total energy intake, suggesting that meal timing or behavioral patterns may be independently related to body fat accumulation.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Even when men ate the same amount of calories, those who ate fewer meals were more likely to be overweight, suggesting when you eat might matter as much as how much you eat.