Should You Skip Meals?
By: Diana O., RD
Estimated Reading Time: 1 min
A study published in 2021 looked at the association between skipping meals and weight gain. Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular and many people are skipping meals due to believing that skipping a meal would accelerate weight loss.
There have been numerous studies done over the past few years that have shown increased weight gain when breakfast is skipped. There is limited evidence showing that skipping lunch or dinner is associated with weight gain. A 3-year study done in Japan showed that skipping dinner frequently was correlated with weight gain for both male and female. Skipping breakfast and lunch did not have as much as a significance effect in regards to overall weight gain. The study concluded that skipping dinner made the biggest different when it came to weight gain. Perhaps eating dinner regularly instead of skipping it will be a better way to prevent weight gain.
Rather than looking for a “quick fix” for weight loss, working with a Registered Dietitian is a great way to learn how to eat balanced, nutrient-dense meals, while trying to achieve weight loss. The goal for weight management should be finding ways to sustain weight loss through long term lifestyle change, without feeling the need to restrict. It is possible to eat 3 meals a day and lose weight at the same time. By ensuring you are having your balanced meals daily allows your body to receive the energy and nutrients it needs on a daily basis.
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