The age-old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is being increasingly questioned by nutrition experts. While many Britons, around 94% of adults and 77% of adolescents, regularly eat breakfast, a growing body of research suggests the meal's benefits may be overstated.
Dietician Sarah Elder explains that breakfast replenishes energy stores used overnight for growth and repair. However, studies show a complex relationship between breakfast and weight. One US study of 50,000 people found that those who made breakfast their largest meal had a lower BMI, but another study of 52 obese women revealed that weight loss was linked to changing routines rather than breakfast itself.
Professor Alexandra Johnstone of the University of Aberdeen notes that breakfast-eaters often adopt other healthy habits, such as not smoking and exercising. A 2020 review of 45 studies confirmed that skipping breakfast increases obesity risk, but this may be due to associated lifestyle factors.
Intermittent fasting, which extends the overnight fast, is gaining popularity. A 2018 pilot study found it improved blood sugar control and blood pressure in men with pre-diabetes. This challenges the notion that breakfast is essential for health, suggesting that individual routines and overall diet quality matter more.
