• In the video above: cereal, bread or spicy soup? Expert surprises with answer: This is the healthiest breakfast in the world

For some people, black coffee is enough in the morning. For other contemporaries, however, it is allowed A royal breakfast with rolls, cold cuts and fruit – otherwise there is a risk of a headache or at least a bad mood from mid-morning onwards.

Study: Better eat breakfast

Researchers from China’s Ningxia Medical University have taken a scientific approach to the much-discussed topic of breakfast and analyzed nine studies. Their review paper and meta-analysis appeared in the journal “Nutrients“.

Based on the study of more than 118,000 test subjects, they observed that skipping breakfast, on the one hand

• increases the risk of abdominal obesity.

This refers to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region. On the other hand, the risk increased

• High blood pressure
• a high blood sugar level
• and hyperlipidemia, a disorder of fat metabolism.

Risk of metabolic syndrome increases

Overall, skipping breakfast increased this Risk of metabolic syndromewhich basically combines all of the factors mentioned. According to the definition of National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute A person is affected by metabolic syndrome if they fulfill at least three of the five conditions:

• Abdominal obesity, i.e. accumulation of fat in the abdominal region
• high blood sugar levels
• High blood pressure
• high triglyceride levels
• low HDL cholesterol levels

“Unstructured” eating behavior

As the researchers explain, skipping breakfast could affect metabolic health and the body’s “ability to process nutrients.” The reason is that the body’s natural rhythm is disrupted. This leads, among other things, to insulin resistance. This in turn could stimulate the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and promote a process in the kidneys in which sodium ions return to the bloodstream. The result: blood pressure rises.

It also suggests that people who don’t eat breakfast exhibit “unstructured, uncontrolled eating behavior.” Accordingly, skipping breakfast is linked to other unhealthy lifestyle factors and leads to eating more and high-calorie foods throughout the day.

Intermittent fasting should be clearly distinguished from thisemphasize the scientists. In this case it is a conscious and “structured diet that includes clearly defined cycles of fasting and eating”. People who fast intermittently would also maintain a generally healthier lifestyle.

Limitations of the study

However, the review has some limitations. The studies examined are observational studies that cannot show clear cause-effect relationships.

In addition, the studies used different methods to assess both breakfast consumption and the effects, which could influence the consistency of the results.

First meal is important

Nevertheless, experts who were not involved in the study also corroborate the findings.

“Although the studies reviewed were observational, the consistency of results supports the notion that regular eating habits help maintain healthy metabolic rhythms,” said osteopath Selena GM Raines to “Medical News Today“.

The body functions best when its natural balance and daily rhythms are supported. Skipping meals can lead to an imbalance. “Encouraging patients to start the day with a balanced breakfast can contribute to increased energy, improved hormone regulation and overall improved well-being.”

This is also emphasized by Mir Ali, bariatric surgeon and medical director at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, in an interview with “Medical News Today”. “Eating breakfast can boost metabolism and provide energy“In addition, eating breakfast can help some people eat less throughout the day,” he said.