It is said that the best way to live is to breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper. Now scientists say the historical maxim is correct.
A study of 50,000 people found that those who made breakfast their largest meal had a lower body mass index than people who waited until supper, even when they ate a similar number of calories.
For a man weighing 83.5kg, the difference could shave 2.7kg from weight without having to exercise more or eat less. For some people it would also be enough to shift their BMI from unhealthy to healthy.
Researchers from Loma Linda University School of Public Health in California also found that extending the time between the final food of the day and breakfast was associated with lower BMIs.
Lead author Hana Kahleova said that to maintain a healthy weight people should eat breakfast and lunch, skip supper, avoid snacks, make breakfast the largest meal of the day and fast for up to 18 hours a night.
"Eating a large breakfast reduces hunger cravings, especially for sweets and fats," said Kahleova. "Eating meals in the evening generally has the opposite effect."
The research was published in the Journal of Nutrition. - ©The Daily Telegraph, London..