Dr. Michael Mosley, a well-known English health expert, has offered valuable insights on the best times to eat breakfast and dinner for those aiming to lose weight. According to Dr. Mosley, adjusting meal times by having breakfast slightly later and dinner earlier could significantly aid in weight loss efforts.
In his book Just One Thing, Dr. Mosley advocates for consuming all daily meals within a 12-hour window, a method known as time-restricted eating. He explains, “If you want to lose a bit of weight and improve your metabolic health, change your meal times. That means having breakfast a bit later and your evening meal a bit earlier.”
Time-restricted eating is a form of intermittent fasting where eating is confined to a specific period each day. This approach contrasts with other intermittent fasting methods, such as the 5:2 fast, where individuals eat normally for five days of the week and fast on the other two.
On his BBC Radio 4 podcast, Just One Thing, Dr. Mosley outlines a practical eating schedule that involves having dinner at 7 p.m. and then only consuming water until 9:30 a.m. the next morning.
Dr. Mosley is not alone in endorsing the benefits of time-restricted eating. Recent studies have also highlighted its effectiveness in weight loss and metabolic health. For instance, research published in the journal Nutrition and Diabetes observed 30 obese individuals over an eight-week time-restricted eating program. Participants who followed the program lost an average of 24 pounds, compared to 20 pounds lost by those who did not follow the fasting schedule.
Another study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, further supports the efficacy of time-restricted eating for weight loss and body composition improvements. Additionally, research in the Journal of Translational Medicine has shown that intermittent fasting can positively impact metabolic syndrome and heart disease markers.
Despite the growing body of evidence supporting intermittent fasting, the Mayo Clinic advises consulting a doctor before starting such a regimen. “Intermittent fasting is safe for many people, but it’s not for everyone,” the health portal notes, emphasizing the importance of personalized medical advice.
These findings reinforce the potential benefits of strategic meal timing, providing a simple yet effective tool for those looking to enhance their weight-loss journey.
