Can I eat once a day to lose weight?

Author: Moriah Eichmann  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

Study participants who tried eating one meal a day ended up with less total body fat. This particular group of people didn't experience significant weight loss. That said, intermittent fasting in general has proven to be an effective weight-loss method. The typical weight loss is 7 to 11 pounds over 10 weeks.

How much weight will I lose if I eat once a day?

For many people, OMAD can create a significant calorie deficit, potentially leading to a weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week, which is considered a safe and sustainable rate. However, results can vary, and it's crucial to ensure that the single meal provides all necessary nutrients and energy.

Is fasting 24 hours good for weight loss?

If a person fasts for 24 hours, the body runs out of its stored energy source, known as glycogen. Fat and protein are then used as an energy source. Effects on the body include weight loss, preventing certain diseases, and improving cardiovascular health.

Can I eat whatever I want if I eat once a day?

Yes, during a one meal a day (OMAD) eating plan, you can generally eat whatever you want during your eating hour. However, for optimal health benefits, it's advisable to focus on nutrient-dense foods to ensure you're getting enough vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.

Can you lose weight eating fast food once a day?

Yes, you can eat junk food and still lose weight, as long as you are creating a calorie deficit. Eating junk food in moderation and managing your overall calorie intake can help you reach your weight loss goals. However, it's important to note that a healthy diet and exercise are the best way to maintain your weight.

Lose Weight Eating One Meal a Day 🍴 Benefits of Eating Once Per Day | Eat One Time Weight Loss Diet

What happens if you only eat one meal a day?

Safety Concerns. For most people, there are no serious dangers involved in eating one meal a day, other than the discomforts of feeling hungry. That said, there are some risks for people with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Eating one meal a day can increase your blood pressure and cholesterol.

How to slim down quickly?

How to naturally lose weight fast
  1. Intermittent fasting.
  2. Tracking diet and exercise.
  3. Mindful eating.
  4. Protein with meals.
  5. Avoid sugar.
  6. Fiber.
  7. Gut bacteria balance.
  8. Sleep.

Why don't I lose weight when I eat one meal a day?

People may not lose weight while on an OMAD diet for a number of reasons. For example, they may be overeating during their single meal time. Alternatively, individual differences in metabolism and other factors can make weight loss more difficult for some people.

What is extreme fasting for weight loss?

The Warrior Diet is a relatively extreme form of intermittent fasting. It involves eating very little, usually just a few servings of raw fruit and vegetables, during a 20-hour fasting window, then eating one large meal at night. The eating window is usually only around 4 hours.

How to lose belly fat fast?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

What is the best fasting for weight loss?

Intermittent Fasting

There are many different fasting regimens and it is unclear which may be the best. One of the most popular is the 5:2 system. This involves 2 days a week of fasting or VLCD and 5 days a week of eating your normal diet. Diets that incorporate fasting can cause rapid weight loss.

What is dry fasting?

There are some proponents of dry fasting, which is abstaining from all food and fluid for a set period of time, who claim it has as many or more benefits as intermittent fasting. However, there is not enough research on the benefits of dry fasting, and many doctors consider it a dangerous practice.

Is eating once a day bad for metabolism?

These data show that the human body can cope with one daily large meal providing all the required energy, without deteriorating metabolic regulation.

Can you lose 10 pounds in 3 days?

You will likely lose weight on any diet if you eat less than 910 calories a day. But losing 10 pounds in three days is both unlikely and unhealthy. To lose just 1 pound of body fat, you need to reduce your daily calories by about 500 a day for a whole week. That's giving up 3,500 calories over the course of seven days.

Can fasting reduce belly fat?

Early fasting reduces amount of abdominal fat

Upon analysis, Ruiz and his team found that all fasting groups, regardless of the time-restricted fasting method, had more weight loss — on average 3-4 kg — compared to the usual treatment group.

How to flush out water weight?

  1. Exercise Regularly. Daily exercise provides several health benefits, including preventing water retention. ...
  2. Drink More Water. Drinking water to reduce water weight sounds counterintuitive, but it helps. ...
  3. Manage Salt Intake. ...
  4. Cut Carbs. ...
  5. Focus on Certain Foods and Herbs. ...
  6. Try Supplements. ...
  7. Up Your Caffeine Intake.

How to lose 5 pounds in a week?

If you want to lose 5 pounds in a week, you will need to reduce your food intake by 17,500 calories, which is a huge calorie deficit. If you weigh 250-pound, you will need to reduce your daily calorie intake to about 1,250 calories per day, an amount that is too low amounting to starvation.

Is intermittent fasting bad for your heart?

However, some research shows this practice could possibly increase cardiovascular risks. "This recent study actually showed that those people practicing intermittent fasting are twice as likely of dying from heart disease or dying in general than those who don't practice this," explains Dr. Lopez-Jimenez.

What is the best diet to lose belly fat?

Focusing on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choosing lean sources of protein, such as fish and low-fat dairy products. Limiting processed meats, as well as the saturated fat that's found in meat and high-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter.

Can I lose noticeable weight in 2 weeks?

You should reduce your intake of processed, carb-heavy foods like cookies, chips and soda. Is is possible to lose between five to ten pounds in two weeks, although this weight loss will vary depending on each person's metabolism. Food intake should be carefully monitored and combined with regular physical activity.

How to get rid of hanging belly?

To remove the pannus, a doctor may recommend a panniculectomy. This procedure helps remove the excess skin and fat deposits that comprise the pannus. A person may want to combine a panniculectomy with a tummy tuck.

How do I get slim ASAP?

Things you can do to lose weight
  1. get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions.
  2. aim to get your 5 A Day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as 1 portion.
  3. aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week.

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