Skipping breakfast means there is not enough glucose in the body (from breaking down carbohydrates), which is what the brain prefers as its energy source. And this can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children.Ī study which looked at breakfast consumption in children and then followed them into adulthood found if they continued to skip breakfast they had higher risk of detrimental effects on their heart health and diseases such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes. A review of 16 studies in children and adolescents also indicates skipping breakfast in this age group is linked with more risk of obesity and being overweight.

Skipping breakfast has been linked to increased snacking among kids. Their intake of processed and ultra-processed foods was also higher. You have heard it before and that’s because breakfast really is important.Īs research shows, skipping breakfast has been associated with lower diet quality.įor example, 2018 US research on children aged two to 12 who skipped breakfast on the day of study found 36% of their daily energy intake came from snacks compared to 29% in those who ate breakfast.īreakfast skippers also had lower intakes of fibre, folate, Vitamin A, iron and calcium – all critical nutrients for physical and mental growth and development in children – than kids who did eat breakfast. How important is the first meal of the day? These results are somewhat similar to reported rates of breakfast-skipping around the world. By the time children are 14 to 17, about 25% of boys and 36% of girls miss the meal. But as of 2011–12, close to 12% of boys and 15% of girls aged between two and 17 skip breakfast. The most recent data we have is about ten years old. Research tells us a lot of children don’t eat breakfast. Read more: 3 reasons your teenager might skip breakfast – don't fuss but do encourage a healthy start How many kids skip breakfast? So as parents, you do need to offer it and do need to try and make sure it is eaten.īut as a dietitian and a mum, I can assure you, it can be easier than this! How can parents get their kids to eat this important meal, without making it the most irritating part of the day? Unfortunately, eating breakfast really is important.

Www shutterstock com