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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996-1920, United States