IN A NUTSHELL: Many scientists have studied the link between skipping breakfast and health, with some debates over the results. Recently published in Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, this review is a meta-analysis of 45 observational studies. It confirms the fact that skipping breakfast is associated with overweight and/or obesity.
Abstract
Objective
In recent years, many original studies have shown that skipping breakfast has been associated with overweight and obesity; however, the results of different studies are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to synthesize the associations between skipping breakfast and the risk of overweight/ obesity.
Methods
We did a systematic search using Pubmed, and Ovid searched up to August 2019. Observational studies (cohort studies and cross-sectional studies) reporting adjusted Odds Ratio or Risk Ratio estimates for the association between breakfast skipping and overweight/obesity (including abdominal obesity). Summary odds ratio (or Risk Ratio) and 95% confidence intervals calculated with a random-effects model.
Results
45 observational studies (36 cross-sectional studies and 9 cohort studies) were included in this meta-analysis. In cross-sectional studies, The ORs of low frequency breakfast intake per week versus high frequency were 1.48 (95% CI 1.40–1.57; I = 54.0%; P = 0.002) for overweight/obesity, 1.31 (95% CI 1.17–1.47; I = 43.0%; P = 0.15) for abdominal obesity. In cohort studies, The RR of low-frequency breakfast intake per week versus high frequency was 1.44 (95% CI 1.25–1.66; I = 61%; P = 0.009) for overweight/obesity.
Conclusions
This meta-analysis confirmed that skipping breakfast is associated with overweight/obesity, and skipping breakfast increases the risk of overweight/obesity. The results of cohort studies and cross-sectional studies are consistent. There is no significant difference in these results among different ages, gender, regions, and economic conditions.
To go further, we may have some documents for you:
- The importance of breakfast in children: conference organized by YINI, during NUTRIMAD 2018.
- Infographic : Could yogurt be the foundation of a healthy breakfast?
- How to make a healthy breakfast bowl?
- Breakfast in America – with fruit and yogurt as part of a healthy diet
- Kick-start your day with a healthy breakfast associated with weight control
You can also try some tasty recipes