Once Yes, Once No: The Big Mistake You're Making to Lose Weight

Some believe skipping one meal a day will save calories and speed up weight loss. However, a new study suggests this is a mistake that might add more pounds in the long term.

Researchers from the University of Helsinki in Finland explain that for effective weight loss, it is better not to skip meals, but to focus on a balanced and regular eating schedule.

The reality shows that skipping meals is harmful. The study, published in the Eating Behaviours journal, was based on physical data from 4,900 young adults aged 24 and questionnaires from a comprehensive study conducted in the country, called FinnTwin 16. Ten years later, participants filled out the questionnaires again and were weighed.

Findings showed that most individuals gained weight over the years, with only 7.5% of women and 3.8% of men losing weight during this period. The most significant weight gain was 0.9 kilograms per year for women and one kilogram for men.

According to the researchers, irregular eating and dieting were the main predictors of weight gain for both men and women. Women's risk of gaining weight increased with sugary drink consumption and a general feeling of life dissatisfaction. For men, smoking was found to be a significant factor.

The research results prove that "regular and satisfying" meals are crucial in supporting the body's natural biological functions, contributing to healthier eating habits and long-term weight management.

"Instead of losing weight, it is more important to focus on regular meals, overall well-being, and finding a sense of meaning in life," the researchers said.