If I skip breakfast and lunch, and only have dinner and two cups of coffee in a whole day, will I lose weight?

Skipping breakfast and lunch, and only having dinner and two cups of coffee in a day, can potentially lead to weight loss due to a reduction in overall calorie intake. Here's why:

1. Calorie Reduction: By skipping two meals, you are likely consuming fewer calories overall. Skipping breakfast can reduce daily caloric intake by about 252 calories, and skipping lunch can further reduce it4. This caloric deficit is a key factor in weight loss.

2. Intermittent Fasting: This pattern is similar to a form of intermittent fasting, where you restrict your eating window to a shorter period. Intermittent fasting has been shown to be effective for weight loss, as it can help reduce overall calorie intake and may induce ketosis, a state where the body burns fat for energy13.

3. Potential Drawbacks: While this approach might lead to weight loss, it can also have negative effects on diet quality. Skipping meals, especially breakfast and lunch, tends to decrease diet quality by reducing intake of essential nutrients like fruits, whole grains, and dairy4. Additionally, some people might experience increased hunger, leading to overeating during the allowed meal times2.

4. Health Considerations: It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any significant dietary changes, especially if you have health conditions like diabetes or if you're taking medications5.

In summary, while this approach could lead to weight loss due to reduced calorie intake, it's crucial to ensure you're getting enough nutrients and to consider potential health implications.