A morning habit that increases the risk of diabetes and hypertension has been named

Scientists from Ningxia Medical University have confirmed that regularly skipping breakfast increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome — a condition in which sugar and fat metabolism are simultaneously disrupted, blood pressure rises, and waist circumference increases. The results of the study were published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

The study involved 15,959 residents of Northwestern China aged 35 to 74. Participants were surveyed about their eating habits and lifestyle, and blood samples were collected from each for laboratory analysis. The results showed that people who skip breakfast four or more times per week had approximately a 25% higher risk of metabolic syndrome compared to those who eat breakfast regularly.

The association was particularly pronounced among men and people with excess body weight. Additionally, skipping the morning meal was associated with elevated fasting blood sugar levels, hypertension, and reduced levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL). Even after accounting for age, sex, and other lifestyle factors, this association persisted.

The authors emphasize that the study is observational in nature and does not prove a direct causal relationship. Nevertheless, the results suggest that eating breakfast regularly may be a simple yet important factor associated with a more favorable metabolic profile.