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Bigger Lunches Lead to More Weight Loss

Dieters were able to manage more weight loss when they ate more of their daily calories at midday rather than in the evening.

For years experts have been arguing about the effect of meal timing on weight control. Does eating more at one meal lead to more weight loss?

When Should Dieters Eat More Calories?

Some people skip breakfast while others skimp on lunch, consuming most of their calories in the evening. A new study suggests that they might be better served by eating a good lunch and going light on supper.

The Study:

Eighty overweight women were recruited and randomly assigned to a main meal at either lunch or dinner. This weight-loss study ran for three months. The researchers found that the dieters getting more calories at lunch achieved more weight loss. They also reduced their body mass index and insulin resistance.

This preliminary research suggests that people trying to lose weight might benefit from a bigger lunch and go light at suppertime.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct, 2016

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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