Why long gaps between meals may not be healthy for older people

Going for much of the day without eating is often promoted as a way to improve health or lose weight. But a new study suggests that long gaps between meals may have different effects on older adults – especially those in the oldest age groups.

21 Sep 2026 (Photo: Kampus Production / Unsplash) Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper My colleagues and I followed nearly 3,000 people aged 60 and over in Sweden and found that those who usually went longest without eating developed chronic diseases faster than those who had shorter gaps between meals. The difference was clearest among people aged 78 and over.