Grazing vs. meals: which keeps you from overeating?
NCT ID NCT01731522
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looked at whether eating three meals a day or grazing (eating small amounts every 2-3 hours) changes how much people eat at an evening meal and their total daily calorie intake. Twenty healthy adults aged 18-35 with normal weight tried both eating patterns. Researchers measured food intake at a dinner meal and overall energy balance to see if grazing leads to less eating later.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could help understand how meal timing affects appetite and calorie intake, potentially guiding weight management advice.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 20 healthy participants, so results may not apply to the general population or lead to clear recommendations.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996-1920, United States