The Omad diet is based on the assimilation of all the calories necessary for the proper functioning of the body during a single meal, but this diet could be the cause of several health problems.
- Several celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, claim that the One meal a Day (Omad) diet has several health benefits.
- The Omad diet consists of consuming all the daily calories in one meal of the day.
- One study, however, showed the adverse effects on bone density of the Omad diet.
A new diet is popularized by various celebrities such as Chris Martin or Bruce Springsteen: One meal a Day (Omad), or “one meal a day”. Followers of this diet claim that it promotes better weight management and helps to stay fit.
Omad diet: risks for bone density and muscle function
Unlike intermittent fasting, which alternates periods of fasting and conventional eating, the Omad diet involves consuming all the calories for the day in one large meal. For now, very little research has been done to know the benefits of the Omad diet. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology, however, observed the effects of this diet in humans.
During the works, the participants were given the same number of calories to consume per day during a single meal taken between 5 and 7 p.m. In a second step, the consumption of these calories was then divided into three daily meals. Only eleven volunteers completed the study.
The scientists found a greater reduction in the subjects’ body weight and fat mass when they ate a single meal per day, but they did, however, record a greater reduction in lean body mass and bone density. In the long term, this effect could lead to a reduction in muscle function and increase the risk of bone fractures.
The Omad diet not recommended for pregnant women and children
Other adverse consequences could also be associated with the Omad diet. Indeed, it is difficult to meet all nutritional needs with a single meal a day, which could lead to loss of muscle mass, a risk of constipation and poor intestinal health.
The Omad diet is therefore not recommended for several categories of the population, in particular pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and people likely to suffer from eating disorders (ED).
