In the early 2010s, the time-restricted diet, or "intermittent fasting," which is based on "eating within a strict time frame, or skipping certain meals altogether," exploded to become one of the most popular and widely promoted diets, purportedly for its contributions in reducing the risk of multiple diseases.

especially among celebrities;

Such as: Kourtney Kardashian, Mark Wahlberg, Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Aniston, arguing that it "keeps them slim, and helps their bodies get rid of toxins."

Ironically - as the British newspaper "Daily mail" says - "longevity is one of the main benefits mentioned by the followers of this diet";

Before other research indicates that although intermittent fasting is very popular;

This does not mean that it is healthy, but "it can send its owner to the grave early."

Results of two decades of follow-up

A systematic review of several studies in Japan and the United States, published in 2019, including nearly 200,000 adults;

Those who skipped breakfast regularly were 21% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who ate breakfast regularly.

And that the risk of dying was 32% higher for those who skipped breakfast regularly, compared to those who ate breakfast regularly.

This has now been confirmed by the latest study published by the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition last August, after tracking 24,000 Americans of both sexes over the age of forty;

They ate less than 3 meals per day on average (about 40% of them did not have enough money to buy healthy food, and were more likely to smoke, eat more snacks and unhealthy foods).

have participated in a national health and nutrition survey over a 15-year period (from 1999 to 2014);

There were 4,175 deaths by the end of the study, including 878 deaths from heart problems.

The study linked "sufficiency with one meal per day, instead of 3 meals, or missing lunch or dinner, with a 30% increased risk of death."

It also linked "skipping breakfast, in particular, to an increased risk of dying from heart disease."

She indicated that the same results apply, "even to those who exercise, eat healthily, and smoke little."

3 meals a day is the best system to ensure a longer life (Shutterstock)

Skipping meals is just as dangerous as skipping them

The study conducted by researchers from the University of Tennessee, USA, found that 3 meals a day was the best system to ensure a longer life, and that those who abstain from food for long periods usually end up eating a relatively large amount of food at once, which may lead to over time. to damage to the cells of the body, "due to the exacerbation of the burden of regulating glucose metabolism, which in turn leads to a deterioration in metabolism";

According to Dr. Wei Bao, co-author of the study.

The lead author of the study, "Professor" Yangbo Sun - said in a press release - that while the strict eating regimen, and skipping some basic meals, is widely described as a solution to weight loss, metabolic health, and disease prevention;

Our research revealed that individuals who eat only one meal a day are more likely to die than those who eat more daily meals, and that those who skip breakfast are more likely to develop fatal cardiovascular diseases, as are those who do not eat lunch. or dinner increase the risk of death.”

Based on these results, the researchers recommended eating at least two to three meals "distributed throughout the day."

Researchers warn

Dr confirmed.

Yangbo says his team's findings are significant, even after accounting for diet and lifestyle factors.

Although it is based on observations drawn from public data, and does not indicate a causal relationship, “it remains meaningful and important in metabolism,” adding that “skipping meals usually means eating more food at one time, which can lead to deterioration.” Regulating blood sugar, and then to health problems.

But he warned - at the same time - that "eating the three meals close to each other (at intervals of less than 4 and a half hours, between the meal and the next), was also associated with an increased risk of premature death by 17%," because of the effects it causes. additional "metabolic stress" on the body to complete the metabolism process;

Compared to people who spaced meals 5 hours or more.

The research team also noted that "it is still too early to say definitively that intermittent fasting played a role in premature mortality";

Because they cannot rule out lifestyle influences, in addition to other genetic factors.

Experts recommend eating at least two to three meals distributed throughout the day (Pixels).

The worst thing you can do to lose weight

The researcher and author, Dr.

Lisa Young Eating once a day is one of the worst things you can do if you're trying to lose weight.

Eating just one meal a day also slows down your metabolism, and without a high-functioning metabolism, losing weight becomes more difficult.

In addition, "other negative effects can include low blood sugar, nutrient deficiencies versus cravings for carbohydrates; fatigue, overeating, and then weight gain," according to nutritionist Richie Lee Hotez.

Therefore, a specialist in weight loss, Pavel Isinbaev, describes eating one meal a day with the aim of reducing weight, according to the intermittent fasting system, as a "misconception", which leads to a weakening of the metabolism process, and pushes the body to form a strategic reserve of fat, due to the long period of food deprivation. ;

In addition to the tendency towards snacks, coffee or tea, biscuits and sweets, "which brings us back later to gain weight."