Relationship: Breakfast and Weight

Breakfast: Middle English, "breaking the fast"  (consumed within 1-2 hours of waking)

What is the relationship between breakfast and weight maintenance or weight loss?

Should I skip breakfast so that I can cut calories?

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day in relation to weight.  Not only can a healthy breakfast choices "set the stage" for healthy dietary choices the rest of the day, but it can also reduce hunger throughout the day and give you more energy.  Read on...

Balanced future.  Studies have shown that skipping breakfast often leads to unhealthier dietary choices the rest of the day, in particular choosing less fruits and vegetables.  Make a healthy breakfast choice to put yourself on track for healthy choices all day long.

More energy.  A healthy breakfast within 1-2 hours of waking has been shown to give you more energy and increase likelihood of physical activity throughout the day.  (Skipping breakfast has also been associated with decreased physical activity.)

Reduced calorie intake.  When you skip breakfast, you may feel insatiable and ravenous by lunchtime, leading to quick fixes at the vending machine or overeating at lunch.  The prolonged fast beyond sleeping hours can lead to a a reduced insulin response, which can increase fat storage and lead to weight gain.  Skipping breakfast is a leading risk factor for obesity!

(3.5 minute breakfast video)