Skipping breakfast can impact your health, potentially leading to obesity risks, chronic diseases, mood swings, menstrual cycle issues, and even poor academic performance.
Want to know what happens when you skip breakfast?
Skipping Breakfast: What are the Downsides?
Despite all the advice and recommendations from health experts on the importance of breakfast, whether for adults or children, some people skip it anyway. So, what are the risks of skipping breakfast, and what effects does it have?
1. Increased Risk of Obesity and Related Diseases
Obesity is the disease of the century that can lead to a wide and large range of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancers. That’s why you should avoid obesity by not skipping breakfast, because skipping it contributes to:
- Reduced consumption of necessary nutrients throughout the day: Those who skip breakfast consume fewer of the essential nutrients needed throughout the day.
- Increased unhealthy habits and reduced physical activity levels over the course of the day: Those who don’t eat breakfast tend to be less energetic and less physically active, making them more prone to obesity.
2. Increased Risk of Developing Chronic Diseases
One of the downsides of skipping breakfast is an increased chance of developing chronic diseases. Skipping breakfast is a new risk factor for many of the body’s systems because it interferes with food consumption and can lead to:
- Disruptions in insulin secretion, which leads to disturbances in blood sugar levels.
- Disruptions in the secretion of hormones in the body.
Therefore, avoiding breakfast should be managed to improve sugar levels, regulate insulin production in the body, and provide the body with necessary energy and replenish glycogen stores, which can significantly contribute to preventing type 2 diabetes and other diseases.
3. Increased Feelings of Stress and Tension Throughout the Day
One of the downsides of skipping breakfast may be the negative physiological effects on the body. Skipping breakfast on an ongoing basis can lead to all of the following:
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Rapid heart rate
This is because you’ll need more energy and focus throughout the day, and it is known that skipping breakfast increases the risk of elevated blood sugar levels, resulting in feelings of frustration, tension, and anxiety.
4. Poor Mood and Irritability
People who skip breakfast may experience improvements in mood when they make dietary changes by including breakfast in their daily routine.
Therefore, eating a balanced breakfast rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats will reduce the risk of palpitations, irritability, and tension, and it will also reduce the production of stress-related hormones, such as cortisol.
5. Disruptions in the Regular Menstrual Cycle in Women
It has been found that women who skip breakfast may suffer from a number of problems during their menstrual cycle compared to women who consistently eat breakfast.
The effects of skipping breakfast are reflected in specific menstrual cycle issues in women as follows:
- Irregularity of the menstrual cycle.
- Severe menstrual pain.
- Severe menstrual bleeding.
- Poor mood.
It is worth noting that there is no difference in symptoms before the menstrual cycle between women who skip breakfast and women who don’t.
6. Impact on Academic Performance
Breakfast is the first meal for a child before going to school, providing them with many essential nutrients necessary for the body in general and the brain in particular. Therefore, skipping it can lead to reduced concentration and, consequently, poor academic performance.
That’s why many governments and ministries in many countries emphasize the importance of eating breakfast well at school or at home. Some countries have even begun distributing breakfast meals to their students to avoid the downsides of skipping breakfast.
Testimonials
I used to think skipping breakfast was a smart way to save time and calories. How wrong I was! Once I started making breakfast a priority, my energy levels soared throughout the day, and my focus at work improved significantly. I felt happier and more productive, proving that breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day.
FAQ
Is it okay to skip breakfast if I’m not hungry? It’s better to have something light rather than nothing at all. Even a small snack can kickstart your metabolism and improve energy levels.
What are some quick and healthy breakfast options? Overnight oats, Greek yogurt with berries, and whole-wheat toast with avocado are all great choices that are quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
