More meals a day? Men may be less likely to be overweight
A high eating frequency is associated with an overall healthy lifestyle in middle-aged men and women and reduced likelihood of general and central obesity in men
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Men who eat more often during the day tend to be healthier and less overweight than those who eat just a few times. This isn't because they eat more calories, but because they eat better foods and live healthier lives.
Surprising Findings
Low meal frequency was linked to obesity even after controlling for total calories, alcohol, and junk food intake.
Most people think obesity is just about eating too much or eating junk—this study says the pattern of eating (how often) matters independently.
Practical Takeaways
If you're a man over 45 and eat only 3 meals a day, try adding 1–2 healthy snacks (fruit, nuts, yogurt) to see if your diet quality improves.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Men who eat more often during the day tend to be healthier and less overweight than those who eat just a few times. This isn't because they eat more calories, but because they eat better foods and live healthier lives.
Surprising Findings
Low meal frequency was linked to obesity even after controlling for total calories, alcohol, and junk food intake.
Most people think obesity is just about eating too much or eating junk—this study says the pattern of eating (how often) matters independently.
Practical Takeaways
If you're a man over 45 and eat only 3 meals a day, try adding 1–2 healthy snacks (fruit, nuts, yogurt) to see if your diet quality improves.
Publication
Journal
The British journal of nutrition
Year
2010
Authors
Holmbäck I, Ericson U, Gullberg B, Wirfält E
Related Content
Claims (10)
Low meal frequency is correlated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (smoking, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol consumption), which independently contribute to central adiposity.
Men who eat fewer meals per day are more likely to smoke, drink more alcohol, and be less physically active than men who eat more often.
For women in this study, how often they ate didn’t seem to affect whether they were obese or had a large waist, unlike in men.
People who eat more often during the day tend to get more of their calories from carbs and less from alcohol, which is generally considered healthier.
People who snack and eat more often tend to eat more fruits, veggies, and whole grains, which are rich in fiber and vitamins.