Can eating smaller meals more frequently help with weight loss?
Sep 24, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
The key to eating small, frequent meals lies in reducing the amount of food consumed per meal by increasing the number of meals throughout the day, thereby controlling total daily calorie intake. When total daily calorie intake is lower than the body's energy expenditure, weight loss can be achieved. It's important to note that even if each meal is small, if the cumulative total calories consumed throughout the day exceed energy expenditure, weight gain will still occur.
If total calorie intake is lower than calorie expenditure, eating smaller meals more frequently can generally lead to weight loss. However, improper calorie control may prevent weight loss. The details are as follows:
The key principle of eating smaller meals more frequently is to reduce the amount consumed per meal by increasing the number of meals throughout the day, thereby controlling total daily calorie intake. When total daily calorie intake is less than the body's calorie expenditure, weight loss can be achieved. If each meal consists of low-calorie, high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, and lean meats, and portion sizes are strictly controlled, eating smaller meals more frequently usually supports weight loss.
It is important to note that even if individual meals are small, if the cumulative total calorie intake throughout the day exceeds energy expenditure, weight gain will still occur. Therefore, simply increasing meal frequency without controlling total calorie intake will not achieve weight loss. Moreover, frequently consuming high-calorie, high-fat snacks may not only prevent weight loss but also lead to weight gain.
It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and engage in appropriate physical exercise to support effective weight loss.
