Breakfast everyday may keep childhood obesity away

This article is part of a series by the Ismaili Nutrition Centre that examines evidence-based studies published in scientific journals, and distills what they mean to our readers.

Eating breakfast every day can help improve concentration, reduce hunger and maintain a healthy weight. Barkatali Kerai

Are children who eat breakfast regularly less likely to be overweight? A 2010 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition set out to answer this question by looking at the breakfast habits and body weights of 4 326 schoolchildren aged 10 – 16. The children who reported “sometimes eating breakfast” were 80 per cent more likely to be obese than the students who reported “always eating breakfast”. Those who never ate breakfast were twice as likely to also have lower fitness levels as well.

Another study from Australia looked at 2 184 children over 20 years and found that those who skipped breakfast as children and adults had larger waist sizes on average and higher cholesterol levels than those who ate breakfast regularly.

What this means for you

Skipping breakfast may lead to snacking and greater food intake later in the day, so a good breakfast is encouraged at every stage of life.

Eating breakfast every day can help improve concentration, reduce hunger and maintain a healthy weight whether you are young or old. Look for quick and easy choices such as whole grain breads and muffins, cereal with milk, fruit with yogurt, smoothies, or poached eggs. You can also be creative with last night's leftovers and turn them into a healthy breakfast.

For more information on healthy breakfasts, see Breakfast provides quick and easy fuel to start the day.