'I see on social media that there is a trend of skipping breakfast, only eating lunch, and eating dinner. Is this way of eating good for your health? Please tell me the harmful effects of skipping breakfast. Thank you, doctor!'. (QMNhut, in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City).
Specialist Doctor 1 Dinh Tran Ngoc Mai, Department of Nutrition - Dietetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, answered: Currently, there are some eating trends such as intermittent fasting or skipping breakfast with the purpose of losing weight or improving health.
However, skipping breakfast is not suitable for everyone, especially those with active lifestyles, children, teenagers, the elderly or those with health problems such as diabetes or stomach problems.
Breakfast is essential for the body
Harmful effects of skipping breakfast
Reduced energy, affecting work and study performance. Breakfast provides energy after a long night of fasting. If you do not eat breakfast, the brain lacks glucose to function, leading to loss of concentration, reduced work and study performance, and possibly fatigue and irritability.
Especially in Vietnam, most people including workers, students, and children start their day quite early (around 6-7am), so skipping breakfast will not provide enough energy for the body to work.
Skipping breakfast is suitable for people who work late starting around 9-10 am. Skipping breakfast and only eating lunch and dinner helps reduce energy. The first meal of the day and working time are relatively suitable and they can skip breakfast and still be alert. It can support weight loss if needed.
Increased risk of metabolic disorders . Studies show that people who regularly skip breakfast are at higher risk of problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia (high blood fat) and high blood pressure. This is because when skipping breakfast, the body tends to eat more at subsequent meals, especially consuming foods that are high in energy but low in nutrients.
Studies show that people who regularly skip breakfast are at higher risk of problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Negative effects on the digestive system . People with stomach pain or gastroesophageal reflux are more likely to experience heartburn and stomach pain if they skip breakfast regularly.
Increased risk of snacking and unwanted weight gain. When fasting in the morning, many people tend to crave and consume unhealthy foods such as cakes, milk tea, fast food in the mid-morning or afternoon, increasing the risk of being overweight or obese. Recent studies show that eating a full breakfast, especially a healthy breakfast rich in protein, will help the body control hunger better and achieve better weight loss results.
Affects mood. Many studies have shown that skipping breakfast can increase stress levels, anxiety, and even reduce the ability to regulate emotions. Therefore, instead of skipping breakfast, you should choose a healthy breakfast with a full range of nutrients:
- Carbohydrates: Oats, whole wheat bread, sweet potatoes.
- Protein: Eggs, milk, lean meat, tofu.
- Healthy fats: Avocados, chia seeds, nuts.
- Fiber and vitamins: Green vegetables, fruits.
If someone wants to try intermittent fasting, they should consult a doctor or nutritionist to ensure it is appropriate for their individual situation.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-24-7-bo-bua-sang-anh-huong-suc-khoe-the-nao-185250205191200957.htm
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