Why eating every two hours might be ruining your weight loss goals

The age-old advice to eat small portions every few hours to "fire up" your metabolism is being challenged by medical experts.

Dr Manan Vora, a Mumbai-based surgeon, recently clarified that our bodies don't actually work like a furnace that needs constant stoking.

Instead, metabolic health is governed by total calorie intake, muscle mass, and hormones. “It depends on total calories, activity, hormones and muscle mass.

If total calorie intake is the same, how often you eat does not make a big difference to weight loss,” Dr Manan explained.

For many, the habit of grazing throughout the day can actually backfire by keeping hunger signals on high alert.

Dr Manan noted: “Constant eating can keep hunger hormones activated and make it harder to feel truly satisfied.”

This explains why some people find themselves constantly peckish despite eating multiple times a day.

While trends like intermittent fasting are popular, the doctor insists they aren't "magic." He stated: “It works mainly because it helps some people eat fewer calories. Not because of special timing effects.”

The real winner in the battle of the bulge is consistency and balance. Rather than obsessing over the clock, focusing on nutrient-dense meals that regulate hunger hormones naturally is a much more human and sustainable approach.

Ultimately, long-term weight management is about finding a routine you can actually stick to without feeling deprived.

As Dr Manan suggests, a balanced diet keeps you full for longer, making it far easier to maintain a healthy weight without the stress of constant meal prep or restrictive windows.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.