I’ve seen a lot of studies pointing out the benefits of timed restricted feeding/intermitted fasting and not snacking through out the day, however I saw an article of Sumo Wrestler’s diet and here is the quote from it:” Sumo wrestlers do not snack. They will not eat until dinnertime, when they will have a second and final meal of the day. This helps keep their metabolism low. “That’s how sumo wrestlers gain as much weight as possible,” Kehres said.” So they are basically following a Intermitted fasting regime, skipping breakfast, eat 2 meals a day, no snacking. How does that work? Why does Sumo’s use this strategy?
I can’t confirm nor deny if IF and the other protocols mentioned will cause a slowing of your metabolism. That’s a difficult test.
I can however say that metabolism “changes” in most healthy people are VERY minor in the grand scheme of things. Total calorie intake matters FAR more for many aspects including metabolism (less intake physically for long enough triggers your body to work less, adapting to your available energy, and a higher intake can do the opposite).
My guess is that for sumo wrestlers it’s more likely a tradition/culture that encourages those kind of eating protocols. Science so far doesn’t seem to support it.
Just as FYI; I followed intermittent fasting/time restricted feeding for 3 years without break. I enjoyed it a lot. There are certainly ups and downs but long term the only reasons I enjoy and benefited from it was because it fit my schedule, I was on shift work at the time so it meant less meal preparation and it made it easier to consume less food.
Edit: typo
I don’t know anything specific about sumo. But I can tell you that OMAD/IF/etc. can potentially cause your metabolism to adapt downward, but this generally has more to do with the calorie and nutrient restriction that comes with OMAD, for example. While a few people find it easy to eat all of their protein, carbs and fats in one sitting, most end up under consuming calories and and nutrients. If this goes on long enough metabolism will do what it’s supposed to do. Conserve energy as there is a shortage.
Luckily, all you have to do is change your behaviour to correct the situation, should you find yourself in it.
Short-term, maybe. Long-term, no.
At least for me, it’s my go-to for rapid fat loss. I’m used to fasting nowadays, so I don’t really crash. I actually get energetic and hot (signs of fast metabolism). The only time I can actually feel my metabolism slowing is when I approach extreme leanness.
Calorie intake and body fat stores are the most important factors IMO, and that makes a ton of sense.