6 Harmful Effects Of Skipping Breakfast

Breakfast holds its status as the most crucial meal of the day with good reason. It signifies the breaking of the overnight fast, replenishing your body with vital nutrients to kickstart your day. While some individuals relish a substantial morning meal, others might forego breakfast due to oversleeping or the frantic rush to work. According to Amy S. Margulies, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist, licensed dietitian nutritionist, and NBC-HWC, "Mornings can be quite hectic! Whether you're commuting to the office or working from home, or getting your children ready for school, carving out time for breakfast won't occur naturally. It demands a deliberate effort to allocate a few minutes to sit down at a table, in a chair, and savor a well-balanced breakfast."

In this article, we delve into the ten consequences of skipping breakfast and elucidate why it proves detrimental rather than beneficial. Continue reading to gain deeper insights.

# Bad For Your Heart

As per research featured in JAMA, men who omit breakfast face approximately a 27% higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack compared to their breakfast-consuming counterparts. Although this elevated risk isn't overly alarming, it underscores the notion that embracing a wholesome breakfast can serve as a protective measure against heart attacks.

Furthermore, individuals who forgo breakfast are also susceptible to an elevated vulnerability to hypertension, consequently increasing the likelihood of arterial blockages. This, in turn, elevates their risk of developing heart diseases and suffering strokes.

# Higher Risk Of Type-2 Diabetes

A study conducted by Harvard University School of Public Health aimed to establish a connection between eating patterns and overall health. The research involved 46,289 women over a six-year duration, and the findings proved to be quite remarkable. According to the study's results, women who had the habit of omitting breakfast faced a heightened risk of developing Type-2 diabetes compared to their breakfast-eating counterparts.

The act of skipping breakfast may impact the genes associated with circadian rhythms and metabolism, potentially leading to increased post-meal blood sugar levels. However, it's important to note that further comprehensive research is needed in this area.

Furthermore, the situation becomes even more concerning for employed women who skipped their morning meals, as they exhibited a 54% greater likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.

# Skipping Breakfast Might Cause Weight Gain

If you're currently on a weight loss plan and have the habit of omitting breakfast, it's time to reconsider. Research into the adverse effects of skipping breakfast reveals that those who skip this morning meal actually have a higher likelihood of gaining weight, which contradicts your efforts to slim down. Feeling puzzled? Continue reading to learn more.

Individuals who choose to skip breakfast often end up consuming more calories, saturated fats, and simple sugars during their subsequent meals, namely lunch and dinner.

By neglecting breakfast, you disrupt the balance of hunger-related hormones, including ghrelin and leptin, potentially leading to overindulgence later in the day. Additionally, bypassing breakfast can trigger an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol.

Your body needs energy one way or another, and the hungrier you become, the weaker your willpower becomes, prompting you to fixate on tempting foods you might be craving.

Skipping breakfast intensifies the urge for sugary and fatty foods. Moreover, your heightened hunger levels lead to impulsive eating throughout the day, resulting in increased food intake, which, in turn, leads to overconsumption during later meals. In some cases, this surpasses your recommended daily calorie intake. Consistently skipping breakfast ultimately leads to weight gain rather than weight loss.

# Negative Impact On Mood And Energy Levels

In a study featured in the journal "Physiological Behavior" in 1999, the act of skipping breakfast was found to have adverse effects on both energy and mood. A British research team conducted this study on 144 healthy individuals who had undergone an overnight fast. The participants were divided into three groups for the study. One group received a wholesome, moderate breakfast, the second group only had coffee, and the third group went without breakfast. These groups were closely observed for a couple of hours. According to the research findings, the group that did not receive breakfast displayed the poorest memory skills and the highest levels of fatigue. Notably, there was no significant difference between the other two groups.

In essence, the study's core message is clear: Skipping breakfast can lead to a decrease in energy levels and have a negative impact on memory.

# Risk Of Cancer

Omitting breakfast can lead to excessive food consumption throughout the day, ultimately contributing to a higher likelihood of obesity. Research conducted by Cancer Research UK reveals that individuals who are overweight or obese are at an elevated risk of developing cancer.

# Affects Cognitive Functioning

Incorporating breakfast into your daily dietary routine enhances cognitive function. A study was carried out with a group of teenagers aged 12 to 15 in two separate trials. In one trial, the group was permitted to have breakfast, while in the second trial, they were instructed to skip the morning meal. The outcomes were intriguing. When following a breakfast routine, the group demonstrated greater accuracy in a visual search test, whereas the absence of breakfast resulted in reduced concentration, adversely affecting their performance.

The key takeaway from this study is that including breakfast provides a cognitive boost. While this study focused on adolescents, its implications can readily extend to adults as well.