Can Skipping Breakfast Impact Your Health?
Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, but doctors and experts in the field of longevity can’t seem to agree on its significance.
The Debate
Breakfast "can be an opportunity to get a lot of healthy foods into your body to start the day," longevity researcher Dan Buettner told CNBC Make It in January. "We have a saying, ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.’"
However, some experts don’t prioritize breakfast in the same way. Many of them practice intermittent fasting — typically, eating within an eight-hour window and fasting for 12 to 16 hours — which means they aren’t having that first meal until long after their day has started.
The Impact on Health and Longevity
Opinions on the effects of breakfast on one’s health and longevity are pretty mixed. People who skip breakfast may have a higher risk of death from any cause, especially cancer, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control.
However, Dr. Peter Attia, a physician and longevity researcher, pointed out that the study also found that people who don’t eat breakfast are less health-conscious in general, compared to those who eat breakfast regularly. This makes it difficult to determine if skipping breakfast has an impact on longevity or if it’s due to lifestyle choices like smoking.
The Effects on Mood and Sleep
Even if skipping breakfast doesn’t directly affect your ability to live a long, healthy life, research shows it may not be the best choice for your mood and quality of sleep. Not eating breakfast was associated with an alteration of sleep chronotypes and an increase in depressive symptoms, which led to worse sleep quality, according to a 2023 study with over 700 college students.
Another study published in 2019 found similar effects. The small study with 66 healthy participants in their 20’s found a possible connection between breakfast consumption frequency and mood, sleep quality, and eating habits. People who ate breakfast regularly had a "better perceived sleep quality, mood upon waking, and alertness upon waking" compared to those who skip breakfast.
Conclusion
If better sleep and a better mood are important to you, then consider making breakfast a part of your morning routine.
FAQs
Q: Is skipping breakfast bad for my health?
A: The effects of skipping breakfast on health and longevity are still debated, and more research is needed to determine its impact.
Q: Can skipping breakfast affect my mood and sleep?
A: Yes, research suggests that skipping breakfast may lead to worse sleep quality and a decrease in mood.
Q: Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?
A: Experts are still divided on the importance of breakfast, and more research is needed to determine its significance.
Q: Should I try intermittent fasting?
A: Intermittent fasting may be beneficial for some people, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or fasting regimen.
