Do you regularly skip the most important meal of the day? Here’s some food for thought…

So, we’ve all heard the saying ‘eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper, but fear of putting ON weight often puts people OFF starting the day with a generous breakfast.

But new research shows a hearty morning feast may be exactly what’s needed to help tackle obesity.

Whether it be a full continental breakfast or a simple omelette with toast,  eating in the morning whether you feel like it or not has huge health benefits.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Bath looked into habits of individuals classed as ‘obese’ and found that, compared to those skipping morning eating, the breakfast-eaters were more likely to take part in physical activity in the morning, and consume less food throughout the day.

Obesity is a term used to describe somebody who is very overweight, with a lot of body fat.

The group that fasted in the morning were found to eat a similar amount in total each day as those who indulged, showing that skipping meals to reduce calorie intake proves a futile attempt.

While a hearty start to the day didn’t see the breakfasting group lose weight, increasing day-to-day movement and exercise is crucial to overall health, especially in our increasingly desk-bound lifestyles.

The number of people with obesity in the UK has more than trebled in the last 25 years

Lead researcher behind the study, Dr James Betts explains:
“Despite many people offering opinions about whether or not you should eat breakfast, to date there has been a lack of rigorous scientific evidence showing how, or whether, breakfast might cause changes in our health. Our studies highlight some of these impacts, but “how important” breakfast is still really depends on the individual and their own personal goals.

“For example, if weight loss is the key there is little to suggest that just having breakfast or skipping it will matter. However, based on other markers of a healthy lifestyle, like being more active or controlling blood sugar levels, then there’s evidence that breakfast may help.”

Breakfast has long been championed as the most important meal of the day, with plentiful research to back up the claim.

Need more convincing?

Previous studies have also shown that protein rich breakfasts reduce unhealthy snacking throughout the day and prevent body fat gain.

What do you have for breakfast or are you a regular skipper?

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