A recent study conducted in Hong Kong has revealed intriguing connections between breakfast skipping, depressive symptoms, and impulsive behavior among young individuals. Published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, this research highlights the nuanced relationship between mental health and dietary habits, particularly focusing on youth aged 15 to 24.
Breakfast is widely recognized as the first meal of the day, typically enjoyed after a long night’s sleep. Different cultures around the world have unique breakfast traditions. In many Western countries, breakfast often features items such as eggs, toast, cereal, fruit, or yogurt. Conversely, in East Asia, breakfast usually includes rice, soup, pickled vegetables, or steamed buns. Some individuals prefer a lighter morning meal like a smoothie or coffee, while others opt for a heartier option. Regardless of the variety, breakfast is crucial as it replenishes energy and provides essential nutrients after an overnight fast.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that consuming breakfast can enhance concentration, improve memory, and boost academic performance in children. Furthermore, regular breakfast consumption may help regulate metabolism and support healthy weight management. Skipping breakfast, on the other hand, has been linked to an increased risk of overeating later in the day and generally poorer diet quality. For many, breakfast also serves as a moment of calm and a chance to connect with family at the start of the day.
In this comprehensive study, lead author Stephanie Ming Yin Wong and her colleagues sought to explore breakfast consumption patterns among youth in Hong Kong and the associations between breakfast skipping, impulsivity, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The researchers analyzed data from the Hong Kong Youth Epidemiological Study of Mental Health (HK-YES), a pioneering territory-wide household-based mental health assessment targeting young people. Data collection spanned from 2019 to 2022, involving 3,154 participants, with an average age of 20 years; 58% of whom were female.
The findings revealed that 85% of participants consumed breakfast either daily or intermittently, while 15% regularly skipped it. Notably, those who skipped breakfast exhibited slightly higher levels of impulsivity, particularly regarding attentional control and self-control. Additionally, participants who skipped breakfast reported more severe depressive symptoms and marginally higher anxiety levels. Compared to their peers who routinely ate breakfast, those who skipped it experienced just under one additional day of reduced productivity per month and slightly lower social and occupational functioning.
The authors concluded, “Breakfast skipping is associated with elevated depressive symptoms in young people, with impaired attentional control being an important mechanism in this relationship. Encouraging young people to establish regular breakfast habits may be integrated into future lifestyle interventions for mental disorders and emphasized in public health policies.” This study provides valuable insights into the connections between breakfast habits and mental health among young individuals. However, it is essential to note that the associations reported were weak and detectable primarily due to the large sample size, and the findings are specific to residents of Hong Kong, suggesting that results may vary among different cultural groups.
