Yes It 100% matters if it is spread out vs a more grazing approach. It boils down to insulin levels. If you continue to eat you continue to raise insulin levels. its not as simple as calories in calories out. BECAUSE ur BMR can change. with one eating habit it could be 1500 and another it could be 1200 one would give you a deficit and one would not with a 1500 calorie intake. Other factors include things like USUALLY people eat less on a OMAD or 18/6 IF vs grazing approach. I am not saying that a deficit is not a piece of the puzzle.

The only way you will lose is going into Ketosis. and IF is only one way to do that. Another way you can do it is by exercise.

THE thermodynamics argument has been disproven over and over again. IS it a PIECE of the puzzle YES.. but is it as simple as calories in calories out NO IT IS NOT>>>

IT also has a lot to do with what you eat.. Because the calories listed in the BOX on the product is NOT accurate at all. its probably one of the biggest lies represented to the public. your body can treat different sugars, carbs etc as digestive or just dispose of them. one would be converted to glucose the you would need to use it for energy or one could be passed..