A controlled trial of reduced meal frequency without caloric restriction in healthy, normal-weight, middle-aged adults

Although consumption of 3 meals/d is the most common pattern of eating in industrialized countries, a scientific rationale for this meal frequency with respect to optimal health is lacking. A diet with less meal frequency can improve the health and extend the lifespan of laboratory animals, but its...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of clinical nutrition Vol. 85; no. 4; p. 981
Main Authors: Stote, Kim S, Baer, David J, Spears, Karen, Paul, David R, Harris, G Keith, Rumpler, William V, Strycula, Pilar, Najjar, Samer S, Ferrucci, Luigi, Ingram, Donald K, Longo, Dan L, Mattson, Mark P
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States 01.04.2007
Subjects:
Adipose Tissue - metabolism
Adult
Analysis of Variance
Biomarkers - blood
Blood Chemical Analysis
Blood Pressure - physiology
Body Composition - physiology
Cholesterol - metabolism
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Cross-Over Studies
Eating - physiology
Energy Intake - physiology
Female
Humans
Hunger - physiology
Hydrocortisone - blood
Male
Middle Aged
Pilot Projects
Risk Factors
Time Factors
ISSN:0002-9165
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Summary:Although consumption of 3 meals/d is the most common pattern of eating in industrialized countries, a scientific rationale for this meal frequency with respect to optimal health is lacking. A diet with less meal frequency can improve the health and extend the lifespan of laboratory animals, but its effect on humans has never been tested. A pilot study was conducted to establish the effects of a reduced-meal-frequency diet on health indicators in healthy, normal-weight adults. The study was a randomized crossover design with two 8-wk treatment periods. During the treatment periods, subjects consumed all of the calories needed for weight maintenance in either 3 meals/d or 1 meal/d. Subjects who completed the study maintained their body weight within 2 kg of their initial weight throughout the 6-mo period. There were no significant effects of meal frequency on heart rate, body temperature, or most of the blood variables measured. However, when consuming 1 meal/d, subjects had a significant increase in hunger; a significant modification of body composition, including reductions in fat mass; significant increases in blood pressure and in total, LDL-, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations; and a significant decrease in concentrations of cortisol. Normal-weight subjects are able to comply with a 1 meal/d diet. When meal frequency is decreased without a reduction in overall calorie intake, modest changes occur in body composition, some cardiovascular disease risk factors, and hematologic variables. Diurnal variations may affect outcomes.
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ISSN:0002-9165
DOI:10.1093/ajcn/85.4.981