30 Seconds SummaryResearch Spotlight: Does meal pattern irregularity impact the thermic effect of feeding (and would it even matter)?
- The study focused on comparing the thermic effect of feeding and GLP-1 responses between regular and irregular meal patterns in 9 women with insulin resistance over 14 days.
- The regular meal pattern showed a slightly higher thermic effect and larger GLP-1 responses, suggesting better satiety and lower intake potential.
- Despite these findings, the actual differences in thermic effect were minimal and attributed to changes in baseline energy expenditures, questioning their physiological significance.
- Other satiety-related biomarkers and subjective appetite ratings were not significantly affected by meal pattern regularity.
- The study also evaluated cardiometabolic health outcomes, which were not significantly impacted by meal regularity.
- The author argues against overemphasizing minor nutritional details like meal timing, suggesting a focus on broader, more impactful dietary goals like total energy and protein intake.
- Alternate-day fasting studies, which involve irregular meal patterns, generally show neutral to positive effects on weight management and cardiometabolic outcomes.
Stronger By Science
Eric Trexler
