What is the Meal Method Behind Cha SeungWon's Toned Body?

Actor Cha SeungWon showcased his toned body, achieved through consistent management. In the episode of tvN's variety show ‘Three Meals a Day: Light(삼시세끼)’ that aired on the 18th, the seaside life in Chuja Island with guest Kim NamGil was depicted.

On that day, Cha SeungWon, Yoo HaeJin, and Kim NamGil escaped the heat of Chuja Island by going swimming in the sea. Cha SeungWon attracted attention with his impressive swimming skills after taking off his shirt, boasting a physique that belied his age of 50.

In August, during his appearance on tvN's ‘You Quiz on the Block(유 퀴즈 온 더 블럭)’ Cha SeungWon revealed that he has been following a one-meal-a-day diet for a year and a half, stating, "I currently weigh 72.2 kg, which is the lowest I've been since I was twenty." His height is listed as 188 cm on his profile.

Regarding the one-meal-a-day approach, he explained, “I have a generous meal between 11:30 AM and 12 PM, and when I get hungry around 6 PM, I might have a piece of bread.”

Long Fasting Leads to Fat Burning by Lowering Blood Sugar

Cha SeungWon's one meal a day diet is a form of intermittent fasting that maintains a fasting period of about 20 hours. The principle behind it is to regulate insulin secretion. Normally, our body prioritizes burning sugar over fat for energy. However, as the fasting period extends, the hormone that regulates blood sugar decreases, prompting the body to use fat as the primary energy source instead.

However, it is not entirely accurate to label the one-meal-a-day diet as a healthy eating method. In the early stages, the body may enter a state of hypoglycemia, leading to symptoms such as lethargy and headaches. Prolonged adherence could potentially result in nutritional deficiencies, weakening the immune system.

Additionally, if one consumes only one meal a day without any exercise, muscle mass may decrease. A lack of muscle mass can lower the basal metabolic rate, potentially resulting in a body that gains weight more easily. There is also a risk of overeating or binge eating during that one meal.

A Balanced Diet with Exercise is Essential for Healthy Weight Loss

To lose weight healthily, it is better to consume a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, while avoiding refined carbohydrates and processed foods. Reducing overall caloric intake along with regular exercise can enhance weight loss effectiveness.

One effective method to decrease total food intake is to serve smaller portions. Adopting a habit of eating slowly can also help maintain a feeling of fullness and prevent overeating. According to the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, even consuming about 500 fewer calories a day can lead to a weight loss of approximately 0.5 kg per week.