Scientists suggest snacking several times a day can shorten a person's lifespan

Snacking may sound like a great idea when it comes to overcoming hunger pangs apart from meal time or just having something to munch on at work. But while effects of snacking on weight are debatable, can it affect how long a person lives?

Now scientists are suggesting that snacking may cut down a person’s lifespan as eating little and frequently can take a toll on overall health. They found that keeping more time between meals may help people live longer and healthier lives.

The study found that those who only ate once a day lived longer and fasting between meals delayed the onset of age related diseases no matter what one eats. These findings question the popular dieting trend of several small meals every couple of hours to lose weight.

But the team of researchers found that it is actually fasting as opposed to frequent snacking that has an impact on metabolism.