WASHINGTON, Oct 20 – A new study has found that skipping breakfast may raise the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abdominal obesity.
The research, published in the journal Nutrients, analyzed nine studies involving more than 118,000 participants. It concluded that people who regularly miss breakfast face a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome and its related health complications.
What is metabolic syndrome?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has at least three of the following conditions: abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
People with metabolic syndrome are at greater risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and organ damage.
Study findings
Researchers from China conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from the United States, Japan, and Iran to explore the connection between skipping breakfast and metabolic syndrome. They found that not eating breakfast was linked to increased rates of abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and hyperlipidemia.
Pooling data across the studies, they determined that people who skipped breakfast had a greater chance of developing metabolic syndrome overall.
Why skipping breakfast affects the body
Experts suggest that skipping breakfast may disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and affect how it processes nutrients, leading to negative impacts on metabolic health. It may also reduce levels of good cholesterol while increasing bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
Dr Mir Ali, medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California, said the findings support previous research on the benefits of eating breakfast.
“Eating breakfast can stimulate metabolism and provide the energy needed to function well,” he said. “It may also help reduce overeating later in the day.”
Limitations and differences in results
The researchers noted some limitations. Most of the included studies were observational, which means the findings show an association but not direct cause and effect. The studies also varied in how they defined breakfast habits, which may have introduced measurement bias.
Differences in study design, language inclusion, and incomplete data were also potential weaknesses. Some studies showed varying results between men and women.
The review also emphasized that skipping breakfast is not the same as structured intermittent fasting. Skipping breakfast typically reflects unplanned eating patterns and other unhealthy habits, while intermittent fasting is a conscious lifestyle choice often paired with overall healthier behavior.
Implications
The findings reinforce the idea that eating breakfast regularly may help maintain better blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. Health experts say a balanced morning meal can be an important part of preventing long-term health problems.
This study was originally published by Medical News Today.