Over the years, people have stated that increased meal frequency will mean that the metabolism runs faster and more calories will be burned.
This was put to the test in a 2013 study. In the study, 7 men and 8 women were studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of consuming three (3M) vs. six meals (6M) per day on 24-h fat oxidation and subjective ratings of hunger.
They found zero difference in fat oxidation between 3 and 6 meals. There was no difference between reported fullness following the meals, however some with 6 meals reported feeling hungry between meals.
They concluded, that there is not a significant difference between 3 and 6 meals per day. That increasing meal frequency from three to six per day has no significant effect on 24-h fat oxidation, but may increase hunger and the desire to eat with 6 meals.
Take home note?
Simply eat as fits your day if fat burning is your goal – there is no significant difference report difference reported.
You can read the study here – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4391809/
