Some people should eat ten times a day, according to dietitians.

And that’s not all the benefits of this eating style, according to nutritionists.

While the vast majority of people eat three meals a day, experts suggest that some might be better off eating six to ten times a day—but in smaller portions.

The question of how much and how often a person should eat daily has long been a topic of discussion among dietitians. In a recent comment, American nutrition specialist Lindsay DeSoto stated that for most people, three meals a day is perfectly normal.

She backed her opinion with epidemiological data from recent years, which showed that, overall, a balanced three-meal diet is most closely associated with a healthy weight and a lower risk of disease.

However, according to Ms. DeSoto, there are plenty of cases where eating smaller portions more frequently is optimal.

What are these cases?

The same conclusion was reached by a team of dietitians at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA. Researchers claim that those who feel full even after consuming a small amount of food, or those trying to lose weight, should consider eating six to ten times a day.

This approach is also recommended for individuals suffering from gastroparesis—a rare condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying.

Patients with conditions that cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or bloating, are also advised to eat more frequently and in smaller amounts.

Nutritionists assert that having more meals with smaller portions boosts metabolism and helps people lose weight.

Another anticipated benefit of this eating pattern is maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This, in turn, regulates energy levels throughout the day and helps curb cravings for sweets.

Experts believe that frequent, smaller meals can also benefit athletes.

At the same time, scientists noted that this eating style requires further research.