To eat breakfast or not... that is the question?!

THEN PLEASE ENLIGHTEN US...YOU'LL FIND YOU CAN'T BECAUSE THIS IS BIOCHEMISTRY. DO YOU KNOW WHAT BIOCHEMISTRY IS, HOW ABOUT NUTRIENT METABOLISM, HOW ABOUT BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS. IF SO PLEASE IN USER FRIENDLY TERMS SAY YOUR PIECE. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING INSULTS INSTEAD OF ANSWERING THE QUESTION- BRING IT BABY! I KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT AND STAND BEHIND IT, YOU ARE SIMPLY TOO UNINFORMED OR RATHER WORSE- ILLINFORMED TO CONCEDE. BOW OUT GRACEFULLY AND ADMIT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS TOPIC. I EAT, BREATHE AND WORK THIS EVERYDAY IN BURN PATIENTS, COMA PATIENTS, PEOPLE WHO HAVE GASTRECTOMIES. DON'T DIMINISH MY EXPERTISE BECAUSE YOU READ A BOOK ONCE UPON A TIME. IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DISPUTE SO IT, OTHERWISE YOU FALL INTO THE REALM OF UNNECESSARY HATER.

This arguement between you and the others is just fascinating...

However, in case you didn't notice, you were asked for studies proving your words. You haven't sourced anything but a overview of a study whose conclusion was "may" not "is" thus not proving your words.

These guys have alot of respect around here because they can back up their statements with scientific fact. You haven't shown any. Why should anyone believe you over them? You're a troll on the internet until you can back up your statements and screaming "I HAZ A DEGREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I HAZ A JOB!" doesn't mean bubkis. You're an anonymous user of the internet. Just because you say you're something doesn't mean it's true.

And bringing poo into conversation? Way to misdirect. Just because they're guys doesn't mean they'll be distracted into poo jokes. :huh:

I know what I'm talking about and dont need your approval. I talk the talk and walk the walk everyday, and I dont need to prove anything to you, because you are an internet troll hiding behind annonymity. I offered advice... dont wanna eat breakfast than dont. I found one relevant study and can find many more if I chose to, however, if you yourself cant shed any light or bring any benefit than please dont remark. I do "haz a degree" one i studied my butt for and paid a lot of money on, debt free. when in need of a dietitian please repeat your sentiments of bubkisness. im sure theyll appreciate the comments and will help you thouroughly.

And some rationale behind the poop comment would be nice too.


KTHXBYE

I only eat breakfast because it's habit, some days I don't because I just get too busy. I used to HAVE to eat breakfast, as I would get sick to my stomach if I didn't.

It is what it is, whatever your preference is and what works for you.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Dec;92(6):1316-25. Epub 2010 Oct 6.
Skipping breakfast: longitudinal associations with cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health Study.
Smith KJ, Gall SL, McNaughton SA, Blizzard L, Dwyer T, Venn AJ.

CONCLUSIONS:
Skipping breakfast over a long period may have detrimental effects on cardiometabolic health. Promoting the benefits of eating breakfast could be a simple and important public health message

I'm sure you understand that an epidemiological study such as this can only provide correlation, not prove causation. Even the study conclusion itself does not go as far as you do since the authors only said it "may have" detrimental effects. At best this requires actual clinical double blind studies to see what breakfast or skipping it does. The causal factor here could have nothing to do with eating breakfast in the morning or not. For an adult the studies on meal frequency show fairly conclusively that how often one eats is not important, only overall energy consumption. If not eating breakfast helps a person do that, there is nothing in this which would say different, just that there is a correlation between it and bad health markers.

THEN PLEASE ENLIGHTEN US...YOU'LL FIND YOU CAN'T BECAUSE THIS IS BIOCHEMISTRY. DO YOU KNOW WHAT BIOCHEMISTRY IS, HOW ABOUT NUTRIENT METABOLISM, HOW ABOUT BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS. IF SO PLEASE IN USER FRIENDLY TERMS SAY YOUR PIECE. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING INSULTS INSTEAD OF ANSWERING THE QUESTION- BRING IT BABY! I KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT AND STAND BEHIND IT, YOU ARE SIMPLY TOO UNINFORMED OR RATHER WORSE- ILLINFORMED TO CONCEDE. BOW OUT GRACEFULLY AND ADMIT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS TOPIC. I EAT, BREATHE AND WORK THIS EVERYDAY IN BURN PATIENTS, COMA PATIENTS, PEOPLE WHO HAVE GASTRECTOMIES. DON'T DIMINISH MY EXPERTISE BECAUSE YOU READ A BOOK ONCE UPON A TIME. IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DISPUTE SO IT, OTHERWISE YOU FALL INTO THE REALM OF UNNECESSARY HATER.

This arguement between you and the others is just fascinating...

However, in case you didn't notice, you were asked for studies proving your words. You haven't sourced anything but a overview of a study whose conclusion was "may" not "is" thus not proving your words.

These guys have alot of respect around here because they can back up their statements with scientific fact. You haven't shown any. Why should anyone believe you over them? You're a troll on the internet until you can back up your statements and screaming "I HAZ A DEGREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I HAZ A JOB!" doesn't mean bubkis. You're an anonymous user of the internet. Just because you say you're something doesn't mean it's true.

And bringing poo into conversation? Way to misdirect. Just because they're guys doesn't mean they'll be distracted into poo jokes. :huh:

I know what I'm talking about and dont need your approval. I talk the talk and walk the walk everyday, and I dont need to prove anything to you, because you are an internet troll hiding behind annonymity.

Here's the thing though - you're in here telling everyone how much you know, you're being asked to back up your knowledge and experience with proof, and you're refusing to do so. That's fine but with your degree in this stuff, we'd LOVE to see the proof. I fully admit I search the forum for information. When someone is willing and able to back it up with links and whatnot, then AWESOME! They win the internetz. When they refuse, then usually it's because that person doesn't know as much as they think they know. Like the Sicilian from The Princess Bride.

I offered advice... dont wanna eat breakfast than dont. I found one relevant study and can find many more if I chose to,

I haven't said whether I eat breakfast or not. That wasn't exactly the point of my comment. In case you didn't understand the point of my comment, let me reiterate - Please share with us the links you know of that back up your statements. We would be grateful to learn something new.

however, if you yourself cant shed any light or bring any benefit than please dont remark. I do "haz a degree" one i studied my butt for and paid a lot of money on, debt free.

I'm not the one trolling the boards saying "You MUST do this because I said so neener neener and I haz a degree so I'm smarter than you!" without being able to back my statement up.

when in need of a dietitian please repeat your sentiments of bubkisness. im sure theyll appreciate the comments and will help you thouroughly.

Actually, if I were in need of a dietician and he/she couldn't back their statements up, I'd fire that person in a heartbeat and find someone who not only knows what they are talking about but is able to give me proof. I expect people I hire to have knowledge in their fields and be able to again, back up their statements with proof especially when it comes to me or my families' health. It's like having a trainer who teaches you the wrong moves - it'll hurt you sooner or later if they don't know what they are doing and give you the wrong advice.

FIRSTLY I APPRECIATE THE TIME YOU ARE TAKING OUT TO READ THIS

This will be my last comment on this particualr topic- I will not respond to any more questions or skeptics after I write this.

I am a dietitian, and I was trying to provide some information regarding a question posed about breakfast. I understand the nature of a discussion forum and that many see one comment and add their two cents. Please read ALL my comments, before asking the same exact question I just answered. Next, I am not beng paid by anyone here, so no, I do not have to answer you. If I do so, I do it because I want to provide information, not partake in a witch hunt. I also understand the nature of science, you cannot in any study say that A must cause B, and you always need to state that more information or further studies are needed. Scientifically, not writing this is digging your own grave.

Additionally, just like a statement is put here and scrutinized, doubted or downright rejected, real science is just that. There are Doubters before believers, so if you state something you best be prepared to defend it. I offered one study, given it was one, but that one study was still rejected. If I present the mechanisms, the pathways, and one study and they are all rejected, than guess what- you're not open to learning. Furthermore, if I don't have a pleathera of scientific articles memorized, please forgive me, I don't have a photographic memory. I'm not a scientist and wasn't prepared to write a paper on the benefits of breakfast. I, like you, was doing this leisurely. I read the articles and translate them for you in user friendly terms. Asking me to have a backup for every statement is unrealistic in what I have learned and what I implement everyday. It's like asking someone to present articles for learning fractions, or grammar. You learn it in textbooks, you implement it in real life and it works.

Many people believe that dietitians are only in weight loss, this is not the case- my primary duty is treating people with serious health conditions, burn victims, life support patients, kidney failure, anorexics, not only weight loss. I was providing basic information for relatively healthy people. If you find my advice does not apply to you, then please don't get ugly just disregard it. However, I explained explicitly what happens without breakfast. I never say MUST do anything, no dietitian will unless what you're doing is down right indangering your health.

Some discrepencies to clear up, breakfast, regardless of what it is, is whatever you put into your mouth after an extended length of time not eating, waking after sleep particularly, regardless of time eaten. So you can have a bite of apple at 11am and that is breakfast. Doesn't have to be the traditional 7am eggs and toast. This starts your digestive system, so even if it is small, it still triggers peristalisis movements and turns the metabolism on. Next, what goes in must come out. So that's where poop comes into the equation. Please refer to any basic biology book or this youtube link for digestion explainations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8v0LBdP3kk

TWO STUDIES FROM THE ADA (now the ADN) EVIDENCE LIBRARY- you will only have access if you are an eatright.org member, you must pay for membership. One is an adult study, the other for children/adolescents.



How effective (in terms of client adherence and weight loss and maintenance) is eating breakfast?


Conclusion Statement

Cross-sectional studies and epidemiological data from the USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey, NHANES III and the SEASONS study report that the prevalence of breakfast skipping ranges between 3.6 and 25%. Skipping breakfast is associated with a higher BMI and increased obesity risk, despite lower reported daily energy intakes. Two randomized controlled trials show that breakfast eaters had a greater reduction in impulsive snacking and ate less at later meals.

Normal weight subjects and people maintaining weight loss tend to eat breakfast regularly and generally consume a breakfast consisting of high-fiber cereal that contributes approximately 20% of daily energy intake. However, breakfasts that are very high in energy have also been associated with higher BMI.

Further research on the energy contribution of breakfast, the composition of breakfast and the relationship between breakfast and weight management is needed, as well as research on subjects from different ethnic groups.

Evidence Summary


Association between Skipping Breakfast and Obesity

Three cross-sectional studies show an association between skipping breakfast and increased prevalence and risk of obesity.

In a + quality cross-sectional analysis of the Seasonal Variation of Blood Cholesterol Study (SEASONS) data, Ma et al, 2003, found that the 3.6% classified as breakfast skippers or skipping breakfast (defined as eating breakfast <75% of the five days of 24-hour recalls) increased obesity risk (odds ratio of 4.5) in their study of 499 adults.

In a + quality investigation using NHANES III data, Cho et al, 2003, found that 20.05% of the 16,452 subjects regularly skipped breakfast. In addition, breakfast skippers had significantly higher BMIs (BMI=26.92), as did individuals who ate breakfasts typically high in fat (meat and eggs: BMI=27.04; dairy: BMI=27.11), while the lowest BMIs were found in those consuming high-fiber breakfasts (ready-to-eat cereal: BMI=26.03; cooked cereals: BMI=25.46; all P<0.05).

A + quality cross-sectional analysis of 4,218 adults in the NHANES 1999-2000 data by Song et al, 2005, reported that the association of breakfast consumption with BMI<25 was significant in women, but not in men. Compared with female breakfast nonconsumers, women who consumed breakfast were significantly less likely to have BMI>25 (OR=0.76, 95%; CI=0.57-1.01; P=0.057), after adjustment for age, ethnicity, smoking, energy intake, exercise and weight control.

The Relationship between Breakfast Intake and Subsequent Daily Intake

Three cross-sectional studies and two randomized controlled trials report findings regarding the relationship between breakfast intake and subsequent daily intake.

In a + quality cross-sectional study of the 1977-1978 USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey data, Morgan et al, 1986, partitioned the sample by six age and sex classes and four breakfast consumption patterns. Of 15,959 individuals with complete three-day food records, approximately 25% reported skipping breakfast regularly. Adult females who skipped breakfast consumed somewhat less nutritious food and less food throughout the entire day. However, adult males who skipped breakfast, especially those aged 35-49 years, tended to consume more foods during the remainder of the day than males who regularly consumed breakfast.

In the aforementioned + quality investigation of breakfast habits in participants in NHANES III, Cho et al, found that energy intake was lowest for breakfast skippers (2,027.9 kcal/day) and highest for those reporting a breakfast of meat and eggs (2,433.7 kcal/d).

In the aforementioned + quality cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 1999-2000 data, Song et al, 2005, found that mean daily energy intake was higher for breakfast consumers than for breakfast nonconsumers (2,235±22 vs. 2,117±47 kcal/day; P=0.0317). These differences were also significant among women (1,871±27 vs. 1,657±51 kcal/day; P=0.0009), but not among men.

In a Ø quality randomized controlled crossover trial in France, Martin et al, 2000, compared the effect of a low-energy breakfast (100 kcal: 3.6% protein, 34.4% fat and 62% carbohydrate) vs. a high-energy (700 kcal: 8.4% protein, 24.6% fat and 67% carbohydrate) breakfast on subsequent intake in a small sample of 10 healthy normal weight young men (mean age=28 years). They found that the low-energy breakfast resulted in increased energy intake at later meals (P=0.0051), more hunger at mid-morning (10 a.m.) and more subsequent snacking. Compared with the high-energy breakfast, the low-energy breakfast resulted in a significantly lower daily energy intake [10,254 kJ (2,453 kcals) vs. 11,737 kJ (2,808 kcals), P<0.05], yet there were no body weight changes during the two two-week periods of the study. While the authors conclude that their results do not support the recommendation to consume more energy at breakfast, they recognize a design flaw in not testing the usual breakfast, which they reference as being about 15% to 20% of daily energy intake.

In a + quality randomized clinical trial of 52 moderately obese women in the southern United States, Schlundt et al, 1992, divided a standard 1,200 kcal/day weight loss diet into three meals including breakfast or two meals excluding breakfast, then stratified subjects by their baseline habits of consuming breakfast (four days per week) or not consuming breakfast (three times per week). Subjects were randomly assigned to consume or not consume breakfast while undergoing a 12-week behavioral weight loss program. Results indicated that assigning a participant to a condition that differed from their usual breakfast habit was marginally more successful (P<0.06) in affecting weight loss than was assignment to the group with the same breakfast habits (breakfast skippers eating breakfast lost 7.7±3.3 kg and those not eating breakfast lost 8.9±4.2 kg; breakfast eaters eating breakfast lost 6.2±3.3 kg and those not eating breakfast lost 8.9±4.2 kg).

Schlundt et al, also noted effects on subsequent intake. They reported main effects with the breakfast treatment group, showing a greater reduction in impulsive snacking, meal size, frequency of very large meals, energy and fat from impulsive snacking and energy and fat at social meals (all P<0.001). Interaction effects with breakfast skippers assigned to the breakfast treatment showed a greater reduction in impulsive snacking, meal size, uncontrolled eating and energy and fat intake at work (all P<0.001).

Association between Obesity and the Composition and Energy Level of Breakfast

Four cross-sectional studies addressed the association between obesity and the composition and energy level of breakfast.

In the aforementioned + quality analysis of NHANES 1999-2000 data, Song et al, 2005, found an inverse association between ready-to-eat-cereal consumption and BMI in women (regression coefficient = -0.37, P<0.01), but not in men. Breakfast consumers consumed more energy at breakfast (mean 416 kcal/day or 18.6% of total daily energy intake) than ready-to-eat-cereal breakfast consumers (222 kcal/day, or 9.9% of total daily energy intake).

In a + quality study, Wyatt et al, 2002, used data from the National Weight Control Registry to examine breakfast behaviors in 2,959 persons across the US who had been successful at losing weight (30 pounds) and maintaining their weight loss for one year. Although 4% reported never eating breakfast, 78% of subjects reported eating breakfast every day and more than 80% reported consuming cereal for breakfast at least part of the time. While there was no difference in weight lost (34 vs. 32 kg, P=0.14) or reported energy intake (1,366 vs. 1,394 kcals, P=0.5) between non-breakfast eaters and breakfast eaters, respectively. It should be noted that the sample was wholly comprised of subjects successful in losing weight and maintaining that weight loss.

In another + quality study, Ortega et al, 1996, examined the breakfast habits of 122 overweight and normal weight elderly Spanish residents. They found that normal weight subjects had more variety in their breakfast foods, spent more time at breakfast and consumed breakfasts that provided greater amounts of fiber, vitamin E and iron than the overweight subjects. In addition, 62% of overweight subjects consumed a breakfast providing less than 20% of their theoretical energy expenditure, compared with 45% of normal weight subjects.

In a Ø quality study using seven-day weighed diet records from 220 participants divided into four age groups of elderly (65-91 years), middle-aged (39-50 years), working age (17-60 years) and adolescents (13-14 years), Summerbell et al, 1996, reported that a high BMI was associated with lower energy intakes at breakfast in adolescents (P<0.01) and in the middle-aged group (P<0.05). However, when records judged to be invalid were removed from the analysis, only the relationship regarding adolescents remained. The authors suggest that some of the relationships between breakfast intake and body weight found in other studies may be related to invalid dietary intake reports and the use of skipping breakfast as a common dieting strategy among overweight individuals.



Breakfast Skipping and Childhood Overweight


A total of 15 observational studies were reviewed: Two longitudinal cohort studies, two nationally representative cross-sectional studies and 11 other cross-sectional studies (two of which reported on slightly different cross-sectional analyses of the same population and two of which reported, in one case, a longitudinal comparison and, in the other, a baseline cross-sectional comparison)
Study sample sizes ranged from 200 (Ortega, 1998) to over 24,000 (Siega-Riz, 1998) and combined children from a wide range of ages. All but four of the studies were conducted in the U.S.
Longitudinal Studies: Association for Girls

Both longitudinal studies, Sugimori H, Yoshida K et al, 2004 and Berkey, Rockett et al, 2003 (breakfast skipping) (both received a neutral rating), found that for girls, breakfast skipping was related to weight gain among those who were normal weight at baseline, but was related to weight loss among those who were overweight at baseline. For boys, no relationship was found with breakfast skipping, except for weight loss among those who were overweight at baseline in one of the two studies.

Nationally Representative Studies: Association for Adolescents But Not Younger Children

The two nationally representative studies, Lin BH, Huang CL et al, 2004 and Siega-Riz AM, Carson T et al, 1998 (both of which received a neutral quality rating), did not find an association between breakfast skipping and reported BMI in younger children, but the one that included adolescents did find a positive association.

Other Study Designs: Some Association for Adolescents

Of the remaining 11 studies:
Five (one which received a positive quality rating and four which received a neutral quality rating) found a positive association between breakfast skipping and a measure of adiposity (although only among black girls in one study). Breakfast skippers were also more likely to be above normal weight.
Four (three of which received a positive quality rating, the other a neutral quality rating) found no relationship between breakfast skipping and a measure of adiposity
Two studies (one positive and one neutral quality rating) reported a negative relationship between breakfast skipping and a measure of adiposity (that is, breakfast skipping was associated with a lower adiposity measure).
Studies of adolescents were more likely to find a positive association than studies of younger children.

BOTTOM LINE:

The preponderance of evidence seems to suggest that breakfast skipping may be a risk factor for increased adiposity, particularly among older children or adolescents. However, the strength of the evidence is limited by the fact that what constitutes a breakfast has not been consistently defined.


ULTIMATELY, BREAKFAST IS GOOD FOR YOU, SO EAT IT. YOUR BODY HAS RIGHTS UPON YOU TREAT IT WELL. PLEASE NO UGLY COMMENTS. THANK YOU.

I hardly ever wake up in time for breakfast some days (I work shifts) surely, if you eat the right amount of calories, you will lose weight whenever you eat them? ;s xx

Wow... you've gotten a lot of responses! I find that I need breakfast, but if I wait a couple of hours it keeps me full through the morning better. If I eat as soon as I get up, I'm hungry again in 2 hours anyway, so I end up eating less if I just wait a bit.

I mentioned to a Doctor at one time that I did not like breakfast and he said not to eat it if you're not hungry......

FIRSTLY I APPRECIATE THE TIME YOU ARE TAKING OUT TO READ THIS

This will be my last comment on this particualr topic- I will not respond to any more questions or skeptics after I write this.

I am a dietitian, and I was trying to provide some information regarding a question posed about breakfast. I understand the nature of a discussion forum and that many see one comment and add their two cents. Please read ALL my comments, before asking the same exact question I just answered. Next, I am not beng paid by anyone here, so no, I do not have to answer you. If I do so, I do it because I want to provide information, not partake in a witch hunt. I also understand the nature of science, you cannot in any study say that A must cause B, and you always need to state that more information or further studies are needed. Scientifically, not writing this is digging your own grave.

Additionally, just like a statement is put here and scrutinized, doubted or downright rejected, real science is just that. There are Doubters before believers, so if you state something you best be prepared to defend it. I offered one study, given it was one, but that one study was still rejected. If I present the mechanisms, the pathways, and one study and they are all rejected, than guess what- you're not open to learning. Furthermore, if I don't have a pleathera of scientific articles memorized, please forgive me, I don't have a photographic memory. I'm not a scientist and wasn't prepared to write a paper on the benefits of breakfast. I, like you, was doing this leisurely. I read the articles and translate them for you in user friendly terms. Asking me to have a backup for every statement is unrealistic in what I have learned and what I implement everyday. It's like asking someone to present articles for learning fractions, or grammar. You learn it in textbooks, you implement it in real life and it works.

Many people believe that dietitians are only in weight loss, this is not the case- my primary duty is treating people with serious health conditions, burn victims, life support patients, kidney failure, anorexics, not only weight loss. I was providing basic information for relatively healthy people. If you find my advice does not apply to you, then please don't get ugly just disregard it. However, I explained explicitly what happens without breakfast. I never say MUST do anything, no dietitian will unless what you're doing is down right indangering your health.

Some discrepencies to clear up, breakfast, regardless of what it is, is whatever you put into your mouth after an extended length of time not eating, waking after sleep particularly, regardless of time eaten. So you can have a bite of apple at 11am and that is breakfast. Doesn't have to be the traditional 7am eggs and toast. This starts your digestive system, so even if it is small, it still triggers peristalisis movements and turns the metabolism on. Next, what goes in must come out. So that's where poop comes into the equation. Please refer to any basic biology book or this youtube link for digestion explainations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8v0LBdP3kk

TWO STUDIES FROM THE ADA (now the ADN) EVIDENCE LIBRARY- you will only have access if you are an eatright.org member, you must pay for membership. One is an adult study, the other for children/adolescents.



How effective (in terms of client adherence and weight loss and maintenance) is eating breakfast?


Conclusion Statement

Cross-sectional studies and epidemiological data from the USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey, NHANES III and the SEASONS study report that the prevalence of breakfast skipping ranges between 3.6 and 25%. Skipping breakfast is associated with a higher BMI and increased obesity risk, despite lower reported daily energy intakes. Two randomized controlled trials show that breakfast eaters had a greater reduction in impulsive snacking and ate less at later meals.

Normal weight subjects and people maintaining weight loss tend to eat breakfast regularly and generally consume a breakfast consisting of high-fiber cereal that contributes approximately 20% of daily energy intake. However, breakfasts that are very high in energy have also been associated with higher BMI.

Further research on the energy contribution of breakfast, the composition of breakfast and the relationship between breakfast and weight management is needed, as well as research on subjects from different ethnic groups.

Evidence Summary


Association between Skipping Breakfast and Obesity

Three cross-sectional studies show an association between skipping breakfast and increased prevalence and risk of obesity.

In a + quality cross-sectional analysis of the Seasonal Variation of Blood Cholesterol Study (SEASONS) data, Ma et al, 2003, found that the 3.6% classified as breakfast skippers or skipping breakfast (defined as eating breakfast <75% of the five days of 24-hour recalls) increased obesity risk (odds ratio of 4.5) in their study of 499 adults.

In a + quality investigation using NHANES III data, Cho et al, 2003, found that 20.05% of the 16,452 subjects regularly skipped breakfast. In addition, breakfast skippers had significantly higher BMIs (BMI=26.92), as did individuals who ate breakfasts typically high in fat (meat and eggs: BMI=27.04; dairy: BMI=27.11), while the lowest BMIs were found in those consuming high-fiber breakfasts (ready-to-eat cereal: BMI=26.03; cooked cereals: BMI=25.46; all P<0.05).

A + quality cross-sectional analysis of 4,218 adults in the NHANES 1999-2000 data by Song et al, 2005, reported that the association of breakfast consumption with BMI<25 was significant in women, but not in men. Compared with female breakfast nonconsumers, women who consumed breakfast were significantly less likely to have BMI>25 (OR=0.76, 95%; CI=0.57-1.01; P=0.057), after adjustment for age, ethnicity, smoking, energy intake, exercise and weight control.

The Relationship between Breakfast Intake and Subsequent Daily Intake

Three cross-sectional studies and two randomized controlled trials report findings regarding the relationship between breakfast intake and subsequent daily intake.

In a + quality cross-sectional study of the 1977-1978 USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey data, Morgan et al, 1986, partitioned the sample by six age and sex classes and four breakfast consumption patterns. Of 15,959 individuals with complete three-day food records, approximately 25% reported skipping breakfast regularly. Adult females who skipped breakfast consumed somewhat less nutritious food and less food throughout the entire day. However, adult males who skipped breakfast, especially those aged 35-49 years, tended to consume more foods during the remainder of the day than males who regularly consumed breakfast.

In the aforementioned + quality investigation of breakfast habits in participants in NHANES III, Cho et al, found that energy intake was lowest for breakfast skippers (2,027.9 kcal/day) and highest for those reporting a breakfast of meat and eggs (2,433.7 kcal/d).

In the aforementioned + quality cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 1999-2000 data, Song et al, 2005, found that mean daily energy intake was higher for breakfast consumers than for breakfast nonconsumers (2,235±22 vs. 2,117±47 kcal/day; P=0.0317). These differences were also significant among women (1,871±27 vs. 1,657±51 kcal/day; P=0.0009), but not among men.

In a Ø quality randomized controlled crossover trial in France, Martin et al, 2000, compared the effect of a low-energy breakfast (100 kcal: 3.6% protein, 34.4% fat and 62% carbohydrate) vs. a high-energy (700 kcal: 8.4% protein, 24.6% fat and 67% carbohydrate) breakfast on subsequent intake in a small sample of 10 healthy normal weight young men (mean age=28 years). They found that the low-energy breakfast resulted in increased energy intake at later meals (P=0.0051), more hunger at mid-morning (10 a.m.) and more subsequent snacking. Compared with the high-energy breakfast, the low-energy breakfast resulted in a significantly lower daily energy intake [10,254 kJ (2,453 kcals) vs. 11,737 kJ (2,808 kcals), P<0.05], yet there were no body weight changes during the two two-week periods of the study. While the authors conclude that their results do not support the recommendation to consume more energy at breakfast, they recognize a design flaw in not testing the usual breakfast, which they reference as being about 15% to 20% of daily energy intake.

In a + quality randomized clinical trial of 52 moderately obese women in the southern United States, Schlundt et al, 1992, divided a standard 1,200 kcal/day weight loss diet into three meals including breakfast or two meals excluding breakfast, then stratified subjects by their baseline habits of consuming breakfast (four days per week) or not consuming breakfast (three times per week). Subjects were randomly assigned to consume or not consume breakfast while undergoing a 12-week behavioral weight loss program. Results indicated that assigning a participant to a condition that differed from their usual breakfast habit was marginally more successful (P<0.06) in affecting weight loss than was assignment to the group with the same breakfast habits (breakfast skippers eating breakfast lost 7.7±3.3 kg and those not eating breakfast lost 8.9±4.2 kg; breakfast eaters eating breakfast lost 6.2±3.3 kg and those not eating breakfast lost 8.9±4.2 kg).

Schlundt et al, also noted effects on subsequent intake. They reported main effects with the breakfast treatment group, showing a greater reduction in impulsive snacking, meal size, frequency of very large meals, energy and fat from impulsive snacking and energy and fat at social meals (all P<0.001). Interaction effects with breakfast skippers assigned to the breakfast treatment showed a greater reduction in impulsive snacking, meal size, uncontrolled eating and energy and fat intake at work (all P<0.001).

Association between Obesity and the Composition and Energy Level of Breakfast

Four cross-sectional studies addressed the association between obesity and the composition and energy level of breakfast.

In the aforementioned + quality analysis of NHANES 1999-2000 data, Song et al, 2005, found an inverse association between ready-to-eat-cereal consumption and BMI in women (regression coefficient = -0.37, P<0.01), but not in men. Breakfast consumers consumed more energy at breakfast (mean 416 kcal/day or 18.6% of total daily energy intake) than ready-to-eat-cereal breakfast consumers (222 kcal/day, or 9.9% of total daily energy intake).

In a + quality study, Wyatt et al, 2002, used data from the National Weight Control Registry to examine breakfast behaviors in 2,959 persons across the US who had been successful at losing weight (30 pounds) and maintaining their weight loss for one year. Although 4% reported never eating breakfast, 78% of subjects reported eating breakfast every day and more than 80% reported consuming cereal for breakfast at least part of the time. While there was no difference in weight lost (34 vs. 32 kg, P=0.14) or reported energy intake (1,366 vs. 1,394 kcals, P=0.5) between non-breakfast eaters and breakfast eaters, respectively. It should be noted that the sample was wholly comprised of subjects successful in losing weight and maintaining that weight loss.

In another + quality study, Ortega et al, 1996, examined the breakfast habits of 122 overweight and normal weight elderly Spanish residents. They found that normal weight subjects had more variety in their breakfast foods, spent more time at breakfast and consumed breakfasts that provided greater amounts of fiber, vitamin E and iron than the overweight subjects. In addition, 62% of overweight subjects consumed a breakfast providing less than 20% of their theoretical energy expenditure, compared with 45% of normal weight subjects.

In a Ø quality study using seven-day weighed diet records from 220 participants divided into four age groups of elderly (65-91 years), middle-aged (39-50 years), working age (17-60 years) and adolescents (13-14 years), Summerbell et al, 1996, reported that a high BMI was associated with lower energy intakes at breakfast in adolescents (P<0.01) and in the middle-aged group (P<0.05). However, when records judged to be invalid were removed from the analysis, only the relationship regarding adolescents remained. The authors suggest that some of the relationships between breakfast intake and body weight found in other studies may be related to invalid dietary intake reports and the use of skipping breakfast as a common dieting strategy among overweight individuals.



Breakfast Skipping and Childhood Overweight


A total of 15 observational studies were reviewed: Two longitudinal cohort studies, two nationally representative cross-sectional studies and 11 other cross-sectional studies (two of which reported on slightly different cross-sectional analyses of the same population and two of which reported, in one case, a longitudinal comparison and, in the other, a baseline cross-sectional comparison)
Study sample sizes ranged from 200 (Ortega, 1998) to over 24,000 (Siega-Riz, 1998) and combined children from a wide range of ages. All but four of the studies were conducted in the U.S.
Longitudinal Studies: Association for Girls

Both longitudinal studies, Sugimori H, Yoshida K et al, 2004 and Berkey, Rockett et al, 2003 (breakfast skipping) (both received a neutral rating), found that for girls, breakfast skipping was related to weight gain among those who were normal weight at baseline, but was related to weight loss among those who were overweight at baseline. For boys, no relationship was found with breakfast skipping, except for weight loss among those who were overweight at baseline in one of the two studies.

Nationally Representative Studies: Association for Adolescents But Not Younger Children

The two nationally representative studies, Lin BH, Huang CL et al, 2004 and Siega-Riz AM, Carson T et al, 1998 (both of which received a neutral quality rating), did not find an association between breakfast skipping and reported BMI in younger children, but the one that included adolescents did find a positive association.

Other Study Designs: Some Association for Adolescents

Of the remaining 11 studies:
Five (one which received a positive quality rating and four which received a neutral quality rating) found a positive association between breakfast skipping and a measure of adiposity (although only among black girls in one study). Breakfast skippers were also more likely to be above normal weight.
Four (three of which received a positive quality rating, the other a neutral quality rating) found no relationship between breakfast skipping and a measure of adiposity
Two studies (one positive and one neutral quality rating) reported a negative relationship between breakfast skipping and a measure of adiposity (that is, breakfast skipping was associated with a lower adiposity measure).
Studies of adolescents were more likely to find a positive association than studies of younger children.

BOTTOM LINE:

The preponderance of evidence seems to suggest that breakfast skipping may be a risk factor for increased adiposity, particularly among older children or adolescents. However, the strength of the evidence is limited by the fact that what constitutes a breakfast has not been consistently defined.


ULTIMATELY, BREAKFAST IS GOOD FOR YOU, SO EAT IT. YOUR BODY HAS RIGHTS UPON YOU TREAT IT WELL. PLEASE NO UGLY COMMENTS. THANK YOU.

Which one supports your pooping assertion?

I don't eat breakfast because I feel it is a waste of calories I could be eating later.

Arguing on the interwebz has been proven to raise your blood pressure thereby reducing average life expectancy.

True story 'cause I said so.

I have a really hard time staying on track if I eat breakfast. Once I eat, the struggle with food begins, and I do much better at staying within my goals if I put off eating for a few hours.

So, I vote no to breakfast.

Eat more for breakfast. I try to eat at least 400 calories at breakfast. Turkey, egg whites, double oatmeal, banana, protein shake, sprouted bread, guacamole, honey...just a few of the things I incorporate in my breakfasts.

And add protein powder to your yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, or anything else.

BC

Hey Everyone,
I have recently been certified as a nutrition specialist through AASDN.
I am here to tell you that breakfast is an essential meal for everyone!
Think about your body being a car.
Your car will not run properly if you dont put fuel into it, well thats the same thing with your body.
Breakfast is your fuel that will help replenish your energy after it has gone through hours of starvation from sleep.
if you skip breakfast, your body will use up fuels from other sources and deplete your nutrient storages.
This slows down your metabolism and will in the end cause you to need less calories through out the day!
So if you eat when you wake up, your body will have enough charge to work faster, better and stronger.
Also you'll be less hungry later on in the day!
If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to ask!

LMAO. You only need to be 18 years old and pass the test to get the cert. Sorry but a cert from an association that gets lots of it's revenue from supplements isn't the best source to obtain information on metabolism.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I'm also studying nutrition and exercise science, so I'm still learning. Yes, I might be only 18 years old but I appreciate you mocking me for showing initiative and working on building my career at such a young age. Thanks so much.