Abstract:
Introduction. In recent years, many studies have demonstrated an association between skipping breakfast and weight status, but the results of different studies are inconsistent. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between breakfast and weight status in adults. Method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 1000 adults (60.2% female) with an average age of 33.9 ± 10.1 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire focusing on health status, breakfast related eating habits (consumption, frequency, conviviality and environment), and physical activity. Daily food intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall repeated three times. Anthropometric measurements included weight and height. Breakfast intake was evaluated using two methods: one based on frequency (more than three times per week) and the other on the energy intake of breakfast (15% of daily energy intake). Results and discussion. Our population comprises 55% overweight, including obese subjects, 21.7% of whom are obese. Nearly three-quarters of the subjects regularly have breakfast, with 83.8% having it more than three times per week, and over half (51.6%) have an energy intake at breakfast exceeding 300 kcal (15% of the total energy intake). Normalweight consumers have a longer sleep duration. Breakfast is a meal consumed at home by the majority of the population in less than 10 minutes on average. More than half of the individuals have it alone, without any activity. It usually consists of dairy products, mainly pasteurized semi-skimmed milk and coffee, accompanied by a cereal product (bread or cake), cakes or pastries. Over three-quarters of the subjects add sugar to coffee and milk consumed. Over three-quarters of the subjects add sugar to coffee and milk consumed. Breakfast constitutes a significant source of carbohydrates, lipids (especially cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids), and calcium. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of overweight and obesity between breakfast consumers and skippers. Although no correlation was found between the energy intake at breakfast and BMI, normal-weight consumers consume more calories at breakfast. Our study shows that regular breakfast consumption is not associated with body weight.
