Reducing Childhood Obesity By Eating Breakfast

The importance of eating breakfast is well understood in adults.  Research has suggested that eating a healthy breakfast reduces the risk for obesity, reduces overall daily calorie intake, and prevents overeating later in the day.  However, the impact of eating (or skipping) breakfast on childhood nutrition and obesity is less well understood.

Researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the relationship between breakfast (skipping or type eaten) and childhood nutrition and obesity.  Data from NHANES was used to evaluate nutrient intakes, nutritional adequacy and body measures.  Multiple comparisons were made between (1) skipping breakfast, (2) eating ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal breakfasts, and (3) eating 'other' breakfasts.  Analysis of the NHANES data showed:

• 20% of children (ages 9-13) and 31.5% (ages 14-18) of teens skipped breakfast regularly
• About 36% of children and 25% of adolescents consumed RTE cereals for breakfast.
• Children and teens that ate RTE cereals for breakfast had higher intakes of carbohydrates, dietary fiber and micronutrients, while having lower intakes of fat and cholesterol compared to individuals who consumed other types of breakfast or who skipped breakfast.
• Nutritional adequacy scores were highest for individuals eating RTE cereals and lowest for individuals that did not eat breakfast.
• Body mass index and waist size were higher in children and teens that skipped breakfast.
• The incidence of obesity was highest in breakfast skippers.

The results of this data analysis are striking and stress the importance of breakfast for children and teens.   Overall, this study suggests that skipping breakfast leads to inadequate nutrient intake and increased risk for becoming overweight or obese.  One of the most striking parts of this study is the huge percent of children and teens who do not eat breakfast... 20-30% of children under 18 years of age!  In the vast majority of instances, this should be an easily modifiable habit.  Interestingly, the children eating ready-to-eat cereals appeared to have the best nutritional intake and least risk for obesity compared to children who skipped breakfast or ate other types of breakfast.  Ready-to-eat cereals are extremely convenient and don't take much time to eat before heading off to school.  However, it remains important to make healthy cereal choices if you decide to eat these cereals.  Aim for cereals made from whole grains and ones that are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  Avoid cereals with a lot of added sugar when possible.  Taking the time to make sure our children eat a healthy breakfast can have substantial impact on their overall health and well-being.

Weight management, whether it be losing weight or maintaining a healthy body weight, is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.  My easy diet plan is a simple and convenient way to support a healthy weight management program.