Breakfast has always been said to be the most important meal of the day
But researchers say it could be even more crucial than previously thought, with those who skip the meal more likely to have an unhealthy lifestyle. Missing breakfast can be seen as a way of saving time in the morning, or of losing weight. But the Finnish researchers say those who miss breakfast tend to smoke more, drink more alcohol and take less exercise than those who make time for the meal. And those who missed the meal were likely to be fatter, possibly because they are more likely to have unhealthy snacks mid-morning to boost their energy levels. They were also likely to be less well-educated, making it harder for them to get a job.
"Do you know that a normal human need at least 40 types of MINERALS, VITAMINS & CONSENT RATIONS A DAY?"
Eating patterns
Researchers asked 5,500 teenagers and their parents if they ate breakfast, and if so, how often. They were also asked about their education, weight and drinking habits. It was found children of parents who skipped breakfast followed their example. Dr Anna Keski-Rahkonen, who led the research at Helsinki University, told a national newspaper: "Children of breakfast-skipping parents were much more likely to skip it themselves. "During early and mid-adolescence, disordered eating patterns are very strongly associated with health-compromising behaviours like use of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana." She added: "Smoking, infrequent exercise, a low level of education, frequent alcohol use and a high body mass index were all associated with skipping breakfast in adults and adolescents. "Our findings suggest that this association exists throughout adulthood. "Individuals who skip breakfast may care less about their health than those who eat breakfast."
(From BBC News)
