There is a large amount of research evidence relating weight status in children and adolescents to eating breakfast. In 2005, a review of the literature found that although breakfast eaters tend to consume more daily calories, they are less likely to be overweight.

A follow-up review in 2009 found that most cross-sectional studies reported that eating breakfast was associated with a reduced risk for overweight or obesity. Routinely eating breakfast is associated with more regular eating habits and exercise patterns, healthy food choices and consistent energy intake in children and adolescents.  Children and adolescents who skip breakfast miss the opportunity to consume a nutrient-rich meal.  In addition, evidence suggests that eating breakfast as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle is associated with children’s health and well-being.

A number of studies show that:

• overweight or obese children and adolescents eat breakfast less frequently
• girls tend to skip breakfast more than boys
• skipping breakfast increases as children age into adolescence
• parental eating and living in two parent families are positively associated with adolescent breakfast consumption, whilst families are positively associated with adolescent breakfast consumption, whilst socioeconomic deprivation is inversely associated with eating breakfast

 To read the some more from the National Obesity Observatory click here