Breakfast Skipping and Its Association with Body Mass Index Among Students

Abstract

Breakfast is commonly considered an important meal that may influence dietary quality, energy balance, and body weight. This study examines the association between breakfast skipping and body mass index among students. Breakfast habits are assessed through frequency of breakfast consumption, meal timing, food choices, snacking behavior, and reasons for skipping the morning meal. Body mass index is used to classify participants according to weight status. The findings suggest that students who frequently skip breakfast may be more likely to have irregular eating patterns, increased snacking, higher consumption of energy-dense foods, and unfavorable body mass index levels. In contrast, regular breakfast consumption may support better appetite regulation and healthier dietary behavior throughout the day. Physical activity, sleep patterns, and overall calorie intake may also influence this relationship. The study highlights the importance of promoting regular and nutritionally balanced breakfast habits among students to support healthy weight management and overall nutritional well-being.