The havoc of skipping breakfast!

One of the most common practices in a world that seems to have less and less time is skipping breakfast. This new research presents us with the ravages of a decision, which both our patients and sometimes we also make. Eating a healthy breakfast has been shown to help maintain better heart health, a healthier weight, and good cholesterol levels. Although previous studies have linked skipping breakfast with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, this is the first study to evaluate the association between breakfast and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis. The Madrid researchers examined several volunteers. Men and women who were healthy and free of cardiovascular or chronic kidney diseases. A questionnaire was used to generate an estimate of the participants’ usual diet. Breakfast patterns were based on the percentage of total daily energy intake that was consumed at breakfast.

Three groups were identified:

• Those who consumed less than five percent of their total energy in the morning (They skipped breakfast and only had coffee, juice or other non-alcoholic drinks);
• Those who consumed more than 20 percent of their total energy in the morning (“normal” breakfast)
• Those who consume between five and 20 percent (low energy breakfast). Of the 4,052 participants, 2.9% skipped breakfast. 69.4% ate a low energy breakfast. And 27.7% ate a stronger breakfast. It was interesting to note that participants who skipped breakfast were more likely to have an unhealthy lifestyle. These same participants had the highest waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipids, and fasting glucose levels. In these cases, the study authors expressed that reverse causality should not be ruled out. And the observed results can be explained. Being that perhaps obese patients try to skip breakfast trying to lose weight. Atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic risk markers were observed more frequently among participants who skipped breakfast. As well as in the participants who consumed low-energy breakfasts. Compared to breakfast consumers. “Between 20 and 30% of adults skip breakfast. These trends reflect the increasing prevalence of** obesity and associated cardiometabolic abnormalities**… The adverse effects of skipping breakfast can be seen in childhood in the form of childhood obesity. And even if they are trying to lose weight, they often end up eating more. And specifically unhealthy foods in the afternoon. Skipping breakfast can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt circadian rhythms.”** Prakash said Deedwania, MD, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and author of the editorial commentary accompanying the research. We must invite our patients to take the time to take care of themselves in the best way possible. And help them find options that fit their pace of life.