Unexpected danger of skipping breakfast revealed

Regular skipping of breakfast can lead to increased symptoms of depression and weakened attention in young people. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Hong Kong. The results are published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.

The study involved 3,154 people. It was conducted as part of the Hong Kong Youth Epidemiological Study. Analysis of the volunteers' eating habits showed: about 15% of adolescents and young people do not eat breakfast at all, while 33% do it daily. Skipping the morning meal was associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as deterioration in social and academic functions.

According to the authors, the key reason for this relationship is the deterioration of the ability to concentrate. Young people who regularly skip breakfast more often experience difficulties with maintaining attention. The study also showed that refusing the first meal correlates with increased impulsivity.

Additional analysis confirmed that decreased concentration explains more than a third of the relationship between skipping breakfast and depressive manifestations.