Content warning: This article might be upsetting for readers with eating disorders.​

We all know that staying healthy and looking after our bodies is essential for living longer, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right diet and lifestyle that fits our needs.

However, according to scientists, eating only one meal a day – or engaging in the practice known as intermittent fasting – could cause stress and diseases in the body.

One of the most popular diets of this decade is intermittent fasting, with many celebrities claiming it helped them to lose weight and look their best.

But shocking new research from the University of Tennessee shows it could be doing your health more harm than good – and even increase your risk of early death by 30 per cent.

Be careful when trying out diets. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

Intermittent fasting, which is switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule, is said to be as effective as a typical low-calorie diet for weight loss. Ironically, some research does suggest that intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation in the body and improve conditions associated with inflammation, such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and stroke.

However, a new study by scientists from the University of Tennessee concluded that the key to a long life is eating three meals a day.

The study, which was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tracked a total of 24,011 adults over the age of 40 who participated in a health survey from 1999-2014. Their eating behaviours were assessed, and death and the underlying causes of their deaths were ascertained by linking records from other experts.

The researchers discovered that people who ate one meal a day were more likely to contract fatal diseases and have a higher mortality rate than those who ate three meals a day.

Additionally, experts stated that people who adhere to an intermittent fasting diet by eating large amounts of food at once could end up damaging their bodies over time.

There are plenty of ways to lose weight safely. Credit: Ella Olsson/Pexels

The lead author of the study, Dr Yangbo Sun, said: ‘Our research revealed that individuals eating only one meal a day are more likely to die than those who had more daily meals. Among them, participants who skip breakfast are more likely to develop fatal cardiovascular diseases, while those who skip lunch or dinner increase their risk of death from all causes.’

Moreover, those who missed lunch or dinner were 12 to 16 per cent more likely to die from ‘any cause’. Those who did eat three meals a day but with less than four and a half hours of intervals between at least two of them, on average, had a 17 per cent chance of death from any reason.

Dr Wei Bao, the study’s senior investigator, said that the results were significant even after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, physical activity levels, energy intake, diet quality, and food insecurity.

Dr Bao also explained that eating large amounts of food after skipping meals can aggravate the ‘burden of glucose metabolism regulation’ in the body and this can lead to subsequent metabolic deterioration. This explained the association between a shorter meal interval and mortality rates.

‘Our research contributes much-needed evidence about the association between eating behaviours and mortality in the context of meal timing and the duration of the daily prandial period,’ Dr Bao said.

Skipping meals is unhealthy. Credit: Lisa Fotios/Pexels

Health professionals also argue that intermittent fasting diets are not safe for everyone. First, there is a lack of scientific data on the effects of the diet on humans, as much of the studies done on this topic were performed on animals.

Additionally, the studies mostly focus on glucose levels rather than long-term health outcomes. Even the research done by Dr Bao and Dr Sun measured glucose level breakdowns and regulation.

So, while it is possible to lose weight quickly, it’s also possible to re-gain all the weight you’ve lost just as fast. In addition, low energy storage, which is a result of skipping meals, can make people feel depressed, develop unhealthy sleeping habits, and develop organ damage if the fasting becomes too extreme.

Key Takeaways

• A new study of 24,000 Americans over the age of 40 has revealed that those who ate only one meal a day were 30 per cent more likely to die when compared to those who ate three meals a day.
• Skipping breakfast was linked with a 40 per cent increased chance of dying from heart disease (though there was no difference in all-cause mortality), while people who missed lunch or dinner were 12-16 per cent more likely to die from any cause.
• The researchers explain that eating a lot of energy all at once can cause stress on the body, leading to metabolic deterioration—so it is important to keep a balance between meals and to avoid skipping or having meals too close together.

What do you have to say about this, members? Share your thoughts in the comments section! Also, if you’re looking to make changes to your diet, we definitely suggest talking to your GP first!

 

[Kawi]

Content warning: This article might be upsetting for readers with eating disorders.​

We all know that staying healthy and looking after our bodies is essential for living longer, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right diet and lifestyle that fits our needs.

However, according to scientists, eating only one meal a day – or engaging in the practice known as intermittent fasting – could cause stress and diseases in the body.

One of the most popular diets of this decade is intermittent fasting, with many celebrities claiming it helped them to lose weight and look their best.

But shocking new research from the University of Tennessee shows it could be doing your health more harm than good – and even increase your risk of early death by 30 per cent.

View attachment 11299

Be careful when trying out diets. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

Intermittent fasting, which is switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule, is said to be as effective as a typical low-calorie diet for weight loss. Ironically, some research does suggest that intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation in the body and improve conditions associated with inflammation, such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and stroke.

However, a new study by scientists from the University of Tennessee concluded that the key to a long life is eating three meals a day.

The study, which was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tracked a total of 24,011 adults over the age of 40 who participated in a health survey from 1999-2014. Their eating behaviours were assessed, and death and the underlying causes of their deaths were ascertained by linking records from other experts.

The researchers discovered that people who ate one meal a day were more likely to contract fatal diseases and have a higher mortality rate than those who ate three meals a day.

Additionally, experts stated that people who adhere to an intermittent fasting diet by eating large amounts of food at once could end up damaging their bodies over time.

View attachment 11300

There are plenty of ways to lose weight safely. Credit: Ella Olsson/Pexels

The lead author of the study, Dr Yangbo Sun, said: ‘Our research revealed that individuals eating only one meal a day are more likely to die than those who had more daily meals. Among them, participants who skip breakfast are more likely to develop fatal cardiovascular diseases, while those who skip lunch or dinner increase their risk of death from all causes.’

Moreover, those who missed lunch or dinner were 12 to 16 per cent more likely to die from ‘any cause’. Those who did eat three meals a day but with less than four and a half hours of intervals between at least two of them, on average, had a 17 per cent chance of death from any reason.

Dr Wei Bao, the study’s senior investigator, said that the results were significant even after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, physical activity levels, energy intake, diet quality, and food insecurity.

Dr Bao also explained that eating large amounts of food after skipping meals can aggravate the ‘burden of glucose metabolism regulation’ in the body and this can lead to subsequent metabolic deterioration. This explained the association between a shorter meal interval and mortality rates.

‘Our research contributes much-needed evidence about the association between eating behaviours and mortality in the context of meal timing and the duration of the daily prandial period,’ Dr Bao said.

View attachment 11301

Skipping meals is unhealthy. Credit: Lisa Fotios/Pexels

Health professionals also argue that intermittent fasting diets are not safe for everyone. First, there is a lack of scientific data on the effects of the diet on humans, as much of the studies done on this topic were performed on animals.

Additionally, the studies mostly focus on glucose levels rather than long-term health outcomes. Even the research done by Dr Bao and Dr Sun measured glucose level breakdowns and regulation.

So, while it is possible to lose weight quickly, it’s also possible to re-gain all the weight you’ve lost just as fast. In addition, low energy storage, which is a result of skipping meals, can make people feel depressed, develop unhealthy sleeping habits, and develop organ damage if the fasting becomes too extreme.

Key Takeaways

• A new study of 24,000 Americans over the age of 40 has revealed that those who ate only one meal a day were 30 per cent more likely to die when compared to those who ate three meals a day.
• Skipping breakfast was linked with a 40 per cent increased chance of dying from heart disease (though there was no difference in all-cause mortality), while people who missed lunch or dinner were 12-16 per cent more likely to die from any cause.
• The researchers explain that eating a lot of energy all at once can cause stress on the body, leading to metabolic deterioration—so it is important to keep a balance between meals and to avoid skipping or having meals too close together.

What do you have to say about this, members? Share your thoughts in the comments section! Also, if you’re looking to make changes to your diet, we definitely suggest talking to your GP first!

 

[Kawi]

Oh dear. This is me.

 

[Lizzie1149]

Content warning: This article might be upsetting for readers with eating disorders.​

We all know that staying healthy and looking after our bodies is essential for living longer, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right diet and lifestyle that fits our needs.

However, according to scientists, eating only one meal a day – or engaging in the practice known as intermittent fasting – could cause stress and diseases in the body.

One of the most popular diets of this decade is intermittent fasting, with many celebrities claiming it helped them to lose weight and look their best.

But shocking new research from the University of Tennessee shows it could be doing your health more harm than good – and even increase your risk of early death by 30 per cent.

View attachment 11299

Be careful when trying out diets. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

Intermittent fasting, which is switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule, is said to be as effective as a typical low-calorie diet for weight loss. Ironically, some research does suggest that intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation in the body and improve conditions associated with inflammation, such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and stroke.

However, a new study by scientists from the University of Tennessee concluded that the key to a long life is eating three meals a day.

The study, which was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tracked a total of 24,011 adults over the age of 40 who participated in a health survey from 1999-2014. Their eating behaviours were assessed, and death and the underlying causes of their deaths were ascertained by linking records from other experts.

The researchers discovered that people who ate one meal a day were more likely to contract fatal diseases and have a higher mortality rate than those who ate three meals a day.

Additionally, experts stated that people who adhere to an intermittent fasting diet by eating large amounts of food at once could end up damaging their bodies over time.

View attachment 11300

There are plenty of ways to lose weight safely. Credit: Ella Olsson/Pexels

The lead author of the study, Dr Yangbo Sun, said: ‘Our research revealed that individuals eating only one meal a day are more likely to die than those who had more daily meals. Among them, participants who skip breakfast are more likely to develop fatal cardiovascular diseases, while those who skip lunch or dinner increase their risk of death from all causes.’

Moreover, those who missed lunch or dinner were 12 to 16 per cent more likely to die from ‘any cause’. Those who did eat three meals a day but with less than four and a half hours of intervals between at least two of them, on average, had a 17 per cent chance of death from any reason.

Dr Wei Bao, the study’s senior investigator, said that the results were significant even after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, physical activity levels, energy intake, diet quality, and food insecurity.

Dr Bao also explained that eating large amounts of food after skipping meals can aggravate the ‘burden of glucose metabolism regulation’ in the body and this can lead to subsequent metabolic deterioration. This explained the association between a shorter meal interval and mortality rates.

‘Our research contributes much-needed evidence about the association between eating behaviours and mortality in the context of meal timing and the duration of the daily prandial period,’ Dr Bao said.

View attachment 11301

Skipping meals is unhealthy. Credit: Lisa Fotios/Pexels

Health professionals also argue that intermittent fasting diets are not safe for everyone. First, there is a lack of scientific data on the effects of the diet on humans, as much of the studies done on this topic were performed on animals.

Additionally, the studies mostly focus on glucose levels rather than long-term health outcomes. Even the research done by Dr Bao and Dr Sun measured glucose level breakdowns and regulation.

So, while it is possible to lose weight quickly, it’s also possible to re-gain all the weight you’ve lost just as fast. In addition, low energy storage, which is a result of skipping meals, can make people feel depressed, develop unhealthy sleeping habits, and develop organ damage if the fasting becomes too extreme.

Key Takeaways

• A new study of 24,000 Americans over the age of 40 has revealed that those who ate only one meal a day were 30 per cent more likely to die when compared to those who ate three meals a day.
• Skipping breakfast was linked with a 40 per cent increased chance of dying from heart disease (though there was no difference in all-cause mortality), while people who missed lunch or dinner were 12-16 per cent more likely to die from any cause.
• The researchers explain that eating a lot of energy all at once can cause stress on the body, leading to metabolic deterioration—so it is important to keep a balance between meals and to avoid skipping or having meals too close together.

What do you have to say about this, members? Share your thoughts in the comments section! Also, if you’re looking to make changes to your diet, we definitely suggest talking to your GP first!

Junk science. All about making us believe we must eat most of the time to survive. Intermittent fasting is what our ancestors did. We don't need to eat all day or even 3 meals a day if we eat really nutrient dense foods. The current trend toward eating more (type 2 diabetics told to eat 6 small meals a day) is to make sure the big food suppliers get their money. Nothing to do with health and all about making money. The more processed food they sell you the more money they make. I know many people who do intermittent fasting and have regained health. Also people who eat only one a day and have also regained their health. These days we eat too much sugar and grains and seed oils and it poisons us

 

[Ricci]

Oh well, I'd better say goodbye now. I've always only had one meal a day, usually dinner but sometimes lunch.

 

[Penny4]

Oh well, I'd better say goodbye now. I've always only had one meal a day, usually dinner but sometimes lunch.

No cups of tea and a biscuit?

 

[Ricci]

No cups of tea and a biscuit?

Tea by the gallon but no biscuits.

 

[Penny4]

Tea by the gallon but no biscuits.

Love my tea as well.

 

[Penny4]

I'm one of these poor saps that need 3 meals/day, as I get starving if I don't.
Fasting is out of the question for my body.

 

[Baz1960]

Content warning: This article might be upsetting for readers with eating disorders.​

We all know that staying healthy and looking after our bodies is essential for living longer, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right diet and lifestyle that fits our needs.

However, according to scientists, eating only one meal a day – or engaging in the practice known as intermittent fasting – could cause stress and diseases in the body.

One of the most popular diets of this decade is intermittent fasting, with many celebrities claiming it helped them to lose weight and look their best.

But shocking new research from the University of Tennessee shows it could be doing your health more harm than good – and even increase your risk of early death by 30 per cent.

View attachment 11299

Be careful when trying out diets. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

Intermittent fasting, which is switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule, is said to be as effective as a typical low-calorie diet for weight loss. Ironically, some research does suggest that intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation in the body and improve conditions associated with inflammation, such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and stroke.

However, a new study by scientists from the University of Tennessee concluded that the key to a long life is eating three meals a day.

The study, which was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tracked a total of 24,011 adults over the age of 40 who participated in a health survey from 1999-2014. Their eating behaviours were assessed, and death and the underlying causes of their deaths were ascertained by linking records from other experts.

The researchers discovered that people who ate one meal a day were more likely to contract fatal diseases and have a higher mortality rate than those who ate three meals a day.

Additionally, experts stated that people who adhere to an intermittent fasting diet by eating large amounts of food at once could end up damaging their bodies over time.

View attachment 11300

There are plenty of ways to lose weight safely. Credit: Ella Olsson/Pexels

The lead author of the study, Dr Yangbo Sun, said: ‘Our research revealed that individuals eating only one meal a day are more likely to die than those who had more daily meals. Among them, participants who skip breakfast are more likely to develop fatal cardiovascular diseases, while those who skip lunch or dinner increase their risk of death from all causes.’

Moreover, those who missed lunch or dinner were 12 to 16 per cent more likely to die from ‘any cause’. Those who did eat three meals a day but with less than four and a half hours of intervals between at least two of them, on average, had a 17 per cent chance of death from any reason.

Dr Wei Bao, the study’s senior investigator, said that the results were significant even after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, physical activity levels, energy intake, diet quality, and food insecurity.

Dr Bao also explained that eating large amounts of food after skipping meals can aggravate the ‘burden of glucose metabolism regulation’ in the body and this can lead to subsequent metabolic deterioration. This explained the association between a shorter meal interval and mortality rates.

‘Our research contributes much-needed evidence about the association between eating behaviours and mortality in the context of meal timing and the duration of the daily prandial period,’ Dr Bao said.

View attachment 11301

Skipping meals is unhealthy. Credit: Lisa Fotios/Pexels

Health professionals also argue that intermittent fasting diets are not safe for everyone. First, there is a lack of scientific data on the effects of the diet on humans, as much of the studies done on this topic were performed on animals.

Additionally, the studies mostly focus on glucose levels rather than long-term health outcomes. Even the research done by Dr Bao and Dr Sun measured glucose level breakdowns and regulation.

So, while it is possible to lose weight quickly, it’s also possible to re-gain all the weight you’ve lost just as fast. In addition, low energy storage, which is a result of skipping meals, can make people feel depressed, develop unhealthy sleeping habits, and develop organ damage if the fasting becomes too extreme.

Key Takeaways

• A new study of 24,000 Americans over the age of 40 has revealed that those who ate only one meal a day were 30 per cent more likely to die when compared to those who ate three meals a day.
• Skipping breakfast was linked with a 40 per cent increased chance of dying from heart disease (though there was no difference in all-cause mortality), while people who missed lunch or dinner were 12-16 per cent more likely to die from any cause.
• The researchers explain that eating a lot of energy all at once can cause stress on the body, leading to metabolic deterioration—so it is important to keep a balance between meals and to avoid skipping or having meals too close together.

What do you have to say about this, members? Share your thoughts in the comments section! Also, if you’re looking to make changes to your diet, we definitely suggest talking to your GP first!

Like many studies in the USA, they are sponsored by companies. One popular study about diabetes, was sponsored, by sugar cane growers. One may say a conflict of interest. The article does say where it was published, but not who sponsored the study. A lot more information needed before we can make an educated decision.

 

[Macarj]

I can't fast I get too hungry if I miss 1 meal

 

[Nana Zorak]

I am the one who cooks in our house & as I am so fussy it often puts me off eating smelling the food cook. So I often don't eat lunch or dinner but I always eat breakfast. mind you I have tea & biccies during the day instead.

 

[ElleJay]

I saw a dietician for a while as I have food intolerances and had to get help with a low Fodmap diet. She was adamant that intermittent fasting was bad for you. She said our digestive systems are not designed for fasting and we should be eating three healthy meals a day.