Is eating once a day really healthy? Experts share opinions on the ‘OMAD diet’

The One Meal a Day (OMAD) diet has been making waves in the world of health and nutrition, with many people opting to eat all of their day’s calories in a single meal after 23 hours of fasting. This form of intermittent fasting has gained popularity due to its potential benefits for weight loss and type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist and expert in intermittent fasting, describes the OMAD diet as a stricter version of intermittent fasting. He explains that when the body is in a fasting state, it begins to use fat for energy, which can decrease hunger. This can lead to consuming fewer calories overall, making weight loss more achievable.

The main health conditions that can benefit from the OMAD diet and intermittent fasting are weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Fasting can impact weight and blood sugar levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and obesity-related cancers. In some cases, type 2 diabetes can even be reversed with intermittent fasting.

Clinical nutritionist Fern Katzman has seen patients with type 2 diabetes go off medication or avoid it altogether by engaging in intermittent fasting or the OMAD diet. She emphasizes the importance of eating whole, natural, unprocessed foods while on the diet to maximize its benefits.

However, the OMAD diet is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with eating disorders or hypoglycemia may not be good candidates for this type of fasting. It is essential to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness signals and trust your instincts when it comes to food choices.

While some experts caution against the OMAD diet due to potential fatigue and decreased metabolic health, others like Dr. Joel Kahn recommend alternatives like the Daniel Diet or the Prolon 5-Day Program. These plant-based diets can provide similar benefits without the potential downsides of eating only one meal a day.

In conclusion, the OMAD diet can be a powerful tool for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan is always recommended to ensure that it aligns with your individual health needs and goals.