Is eating 5 or more smaller meals per day, rather than 3 main meals, preferable for weight loss?

There is not enough evidence available as yet to answer this question or form a valid conclusion. There are a number of points to consider:

• It has been suggested that the pattern of eating in different countries may be contributing to or even avoiding their obesity problems. For example, the French generally eat three discrete meals with little or no snacking, and their prevalence of obesity is low compared to many other countries. Countries like the United States and Australia, where snacking on high fat foods is common, have high rates of obesity. However, there are several other factors that can affect the overall prevalence of obesity in countries around the world.
• To gain weight, your energy intake (through food and drink) must be greater than the energy that your body expends (through rest and activity). Whether you eat three meals throughout the day or graze, it is your overall food intake that matters in the end. That is, if the overall quantity of food is the same, whether consumed in three main meals or five or six small regular meals or snacks, the effect should be the same.....but is it?
• For some people, eating small regular meals is more beneficial than eating three main meals. For example, small, frequent meals are recommended for diabetics, as this assists with control of their blood sugar levels.
• It appears that most people are strongly resistant to changing their eating habits. Therefore it may be preferable to continue the current pattern and frequency of eating, but making some dietary changes in the meantime, such as reducing the intake of high-fat snacks.
• The points provided above have been directed more towards adults. It is important that children snack between meals, mainly because of their rapid rate of growth and their need for a continuous supply of energy. Rather than high-fat, high-sugar snacks, low-fat, high-fibre and high-calcium snacks should be encouraged.