How does frequent feeding affect body composition in sedentary populations?

Frequent feeding in sedentary populations tends not to favorably change body composition, primarily because these individuals typically do not engage in regular physical activity that would effectively utilize the energy consumed from frequent meals. Instead, increased meal frequency can lead to an overall greater caloric intake, which, when not matched by calorie expenditure due to low activity levels, results in energy surplus. This surplus can contribute to fat accumulation rather than muscle gain or positive changes in body composition.

In addition, research indicates that without regular exercise, the benefits of frequent feeding—such as increased muscle protein synthesis—are not maximized. As a result, sedentary individuals may find that simply eating more frequently does not translate into significant improvements in muscle mass or decreases in body fat. Therefore, while frequent meals may have potential benefits in active populations, in sedentary individuals, it often fails to produce favorable changes in body composition.