What Is ‘One Meal a Day’ Actually Doing to Your Body? : ScienceAlert

The “one meal a day” (OMAD) diet is a popular trend among celebrities, with Bruce Springsteen and Chris Martin among its advocates. OMAD involves eating all of a day’s calories in one large meal, in contrast to other fasting diets such as intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating. While supporters of OMAD say it is beneficial for health, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that it is safe or effective. OMAD also poses nutritional challenges, as it can be difficult to meet daily requirements of energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in a single meal.

Studies into OMAD and fasting diets are still emerging, with very few studies conducted on OMAD specifically, and most studies conducted on animals. Studies into other fasting diets have suggested potential benefits for managing weight, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and regulating appetite. OMAD has only been studied in humans once, with the study finding that participants lost weight and fat mass, but also lost lean muscle mass and bone density, which could lead to reduced muscle function and higher risk of bone fractures if the diet were followed long-term.

OMAD may work for some individuals, particularly those who have access to high-quality diets and supplements, but it can be challenging for most people to sustain and may be harmful in the long run. Additionally, it is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals at risk of eating disorders. Researchers need to conduct larger and longer studies on OMAD and different groups of people to better understand its potential benefits and risks. It is also important for OMAD practitioners to ensure they meet their nutritional requirements in a single meal, particularly for energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.



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