Skipping Meals Causes Weight Gain And Increases Risk Of Diabetes, Study Suggests
Skipping Meals May Cause You To Gain Weight
Rachel Moss— The Huffington Post UK
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Skipping meals may seem like an obvious strategy when trying to kickstart weight loss, but a new study suggests it could backfire.
Researchers from Ohio State University have warned that skipping breakfast, lunch or dinner might actually cause dieters to put on weight, rather than lose it.
On top of that, they said skipping meals could increase an individual's risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
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Researchers split mice into two groups as part of their study. Group one was fed a single meal each day, meaning they fasted for the majority of the time. In contrast, group two was freely allowed to graze on food throughout the day.
Initially, the mice who were fed just one meal per day lost weight. However, they quickly regained weight after calories were added back into their diet.
By the end of the study, the mice who had been on the restricted diet had more belly fat than the ones who had been free to eat what they wanted all along.
Researchers said this was probably because the mice on the restricted diet experienced insulin resistance in their livers – a warning sign for diabetes.
When insulin signals fail, the liver does not know it needs to stop producing glucose. The extra sugar in the blood is then stored as fat, causing the individual to put on weight around the belly.
Belly fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
“But you definitely don’t want to skip meals to save calories because it sets your body up for larger fluctuations in insulin and glucose and could be setting you up for more fat gain instead of fat loss.”
"To lose weight and keep it off, you have to reduce the amount of calories you consume or increase the calories you burn through exercise. But skipping meals altogether can result in tiredness and poor nutrition," the NHS advise.
"You will also be more likely to snack on high fat and high sugar foods, which could result in weight gain."
10 Healthy Snacks For The Office
Peanut Butter On Crispbread(01 of10)
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A teaspoon of butter spread over a cracker or crispbread is a great to nip stodge and salt cravings in the bud - perfect for hangover days and when you're feeling stressed or tired. (credit:Donald Erickson via Getty Images)
Hummus With Crudites(02 of10)
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Packed with chickpeas, hummus is great for a healthy protein fix. Unlike sugar and refined carbs, protein will also keep you full for longer. A good afternoon snack if you're heading to the gym after work and need something to keep you going until evening. As it is pretty moreish, don't bring a whole tub into work - decant some into a small plastic container and serve it with crudites, olives or a couple of mini pitta breads. (credit:Michael Powell via Getty Images)
Toasted Spicy Seeds(03 of10)
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There are times when only something crunchy will do. Seeds are a healthier alternative than crisps and lower in calories than nuts. But let's face it, on their own they can be pretty boring. Give them a Bombay Mix-style makeover by spreading them on a baking sheet, sprinkling with a selection of your favourite spices and a drizzle of rapeseed oil and toasting them in the oven. (credit:Sarka Babicka via Getty Images)
Roasted Sweet Potato(04 of10)
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Cut them into chunks, wedges or thin crisps, drizzle with oil and plenty of salt and cracked black pepper and roast in the oven. They'll not only fill the gap when you've got a hunger pang, they'll take the edge over your sweet craving, too - especially if you allow them to caramelise in the oven. (credit:Jason Loucas via Getty Images)
Oat Cakes(05 of10)
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When you've got a hankering for biscuits, it's time to call in the oat cakes. They're pretty tasty on their own but they're not exactly Chocolate Hobnobs. For a sweet hit, smear with cream cheese and top with fruit. (credit:David Marsden via Getty Images)
Olives(06 of10)
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Olives are the perfect solution when you're feeling bored or stressed and you just want something to pick at. They also pack a salty punch so make a good alternative to crisps. (credit:Thomas Barwick via Getty Images)
Falafel(07 of10)
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Yet again protein-packed chickpeas come to the rescue. But check the pack before you buy and make sure they're baked, not fried. Even better, make your own. (credit:Clive Streeter via Getty Images)
Edamame Beans(08 of10)
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The bean of choice for supermodels and Victoria Beckham. Surely that's all you need to know. (credit:Hidehiro Kigawa via Getty Images)
Popcorn(09 of10)
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Staff kitchen got a microwave? You could do worse than keep a stash of pine kernels in your desk drawer. A cupful of plain popcorn with a teaspoon of oil will only cost you a measly 55 calories. Once you pop you can't stop. (credit:Melissa Ross via Getty Images)
Salad In A Jar(10 of10)
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Salad? In a jar? Yes, that's what we thought at first. But you know how you can't take salad to work unless you take the dressing in a separate container because it all goes soggy? Well, think about it - if you put your dressing in the bottom of a jar, pile all your salad on top, your salad stays fresh and crisp until you shake the jar to 'toss' it. Genius. (credit:Fort Worth Star-Telegram via Getty Images)