Manoj Bajpayee Has Been Skipping Dinner For 14 Years: But Is It Safe For You? Expert Answers

When asked how he manages to stay fit, actor Manoj Bajpayee, in a recent interview, revealed that he has not been having dinner for the past 13-14 years. He said that the diet routine was inspired by his grandfather, who according to him, was thin and fit. He shared, “I feel energetic and healthy, and that is when I decided I will stick with this practice. However, I have tweaked it according to my schedule, as I sometimes fast for 12 hours, and sometimes for 14." 

Although skipping dinner has worked out for the actor, should you also indulge in this practice? We spoke to Nutritionist and Dietician Nidhi Sawhney, South Delhi, to get some answers. 

Also Read: 3 Healthy Recipes You Can Make With Broccoli At Home

Is It Healthy To Skip Dinner?

Dietician Sawhney said, “Skipping dinner occasionally may not pose significant health risks for most people, especially if the other meals throughout the day are balanced and provide adequate nutrition. However, consistently skipping dinner can lead to a variety of negative health effects, such as nutrient deficiencies, disrupted metabolism, increased risk of binge eating, and impaired concentration and energy levels.”

“It is essential to ensure that the nutritional needs of the body are met throughout the day. If you have any underlying health conditions or specific dietary requirements, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your meal patterns,” she adds.

That said, the dietician recommends having regular, balanced meals to support overall health and well-being.

Can Skipping Dinner Aid In Weight Loss?

According to the dietician, not having dinner may promote weight loss in some cases as it contributes to reduced calorie intake. However, she says that weight loss is a complex process influenced by various factors, including overall energy balance, macronutrient distribution, physical activity, and individual metabolism. 

“It's important to note that skipping dinner does not guarantee weight loss and may not be sustainable or suitable for everyone. A more balanced approach to weight management involves a combination of regular physical activity, portion control, and a nutrient-rich diet,” she added. 

Also Read: The Benefits And Challenges Of Following A Keto Diet In India

Skipping Meals May Have Some Health Consequences

Consistently skipping dinner can have side effects. These include:

Nutrient deficiencies: Not eating dinner may lead to inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre. This may hamper overall health and well-being. 

Disrupted metabolism: Regularly skipping meals, including dinner, can disrupt your body's metabolic processes, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, decreased energy expenditure, and potential negative impacts on hormonal regulation.

Increased risk of binge eating: Restricting meals or not having dinner can increase the likelihood of overeating or indulging in unhealthy food choices later in the evening, which can impact weight management. 

Impaired concentration and energy levels: Going without dinner can affect your ability to focus and perform daily tasks optimally. This is due to reduced energy levels and insufficient nutrient intake.

Bottomline

Not having dinner may or may not work for everyone. While some people may gain weight loss benefits, others may experience certain health problems. Even if you choose to skip dinner, it is important that you have a balanced, nutritionally-rich diet throughout the day. According to the dietician, it’s better to eat dinner three hours before bed and eat easily digestible food at night rather than skipping it. 

(Image credit: Instagram/ManojBajpayee)