In the daily life of many young people, the first meal of the day is often neglected. A recent survey by Hong Kong adults and young adults analyzed the relationship between jumping breakfast and symptoms of mental health, bringing out relevant issues for the well-being of this age group. The study, published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Psychiatrydraws attention by pointing discrete bonds between morning eating habits and conditions such as depression and anxiety.
The investigation, conducted between 2019 and 2022, involved more than three thousand participants in the 15-24 range. The data obtained allowed us to identify food behaviors, especially in relation to the consumption or omission of breakfast. The researchers sought to understand not only the prevalence of jumping this meal, but also how this habit connects to emotional and behavioral aspects, such as impulsiveness and depressive symptoms.
Why jumping breakfast is a cause for concern?
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Breakfast, recognized as the first meal after night fast, performs essential functions for the body. This meal provides energy and nutrients necessary to start the day with disposition and concentration. Several research confirms that regular consumption of a balanced breakfast can contribute to school performance, favor the ability to concentrate and assist in control of metabolism.
On the other hand, the habit of skipping breakfast is often associated with increasing hunger throughout the day, which can lead to excessive food consumption at later times and the worsening quality of food. Among young people, this practice also relates to emotional and cognitive issues, as shown in the study in Hong Kong.
What is the connection between breakfast, depression and impulsivity?
The research shows that young people with higher levels of depressive symptoms and impulsive traits tend to skip breakfast more often. Impulsiveness, measured by factors such as attentional control and self -control, was slightly superior among those who omitted the morning meal. In addition, young people who showed signs of moderate depression caught the authors’ attention to the possible influence of food routine on emotional balance.
The study also noted that, among those who did not consume breakfast regularly, there was a record of a slightly higher number of days with productivity reduced by mental health reasons. In terms of social and occupational functioning, these individuals also demonstrated performance just below the group that kept the habit of the morning meal.
How to create a healthy breakfast routine?
Adopting the habit of having breakfast daily can be challenging, especially in the face of tight agendas or lack of morning appetite. However, small changes can facilitate the incorporation of this meal into the routine:
- PREVIOUS PLANNING: Leaving part of the food ready the night before can facilitate preparation and avoid forgetting.
- Variety on the menu: Switching between fruits, whole bread, cereals, eggs and dairy products helps maintain interest and ensure various nutrients.
- Food breaks: Booking a few minutes in the morning to eat calmly contributes to better digestion and well-being.
Parents, educators and health professionals play a key role in encouraging balanced food practices from childhood, preventing not only nutritional issues but also possible impacts on psychological mechanisms.
What are the limitations of the breakfast study in Hong Kong?
Although the association between jumping breakfast and depressive symptoms has been identified, the researchers point out that the strength of this bond is quite subtle. This means that the impact of food, though existing, is not sufficient to explain significant fluctuations in the emotional state of young people alone. In addition, the study focused on young residents of Hong Kong, limiting generalization to other cultural contexts where food traditions and the role of breakfast can be distinct.
Finally, the relationship between food and mental health is multifactorial. Other elements of lifestyle, such as sleep quality, physical activity and social relations, should also be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to the healthy development of young people.
Breakfast arises, therefore, not only as a moment of energy obtaining, but also as a potentially related factor in emotional health. Developing the habit of the morning meal can, within a set of healthy practices, offer benefits to performance and psychological balance in youth.
