HHS HealthBeat (May 07, 2008)

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Skipping breakfast to lose weight may have just the opposite effect for teenagers.

A study found teens who eat breakfast daily are less likely to become overweight or obese, and will be more active with a healthier diet.

The study known as Project: EAT examined the breakfast habits of over 2,200 adolescents during a five-year period.

Researcher Mark Pereira with the University of Minnesota says three-fourths of girls and two-thirds of boys are not eating breakfast.

In addition to refreshing your body while you’re asleep, it is important to refuel it in the morning after a long night’s fast.

Pereira says:

“Try to start the day, preferably every day, with a healthy meal. Try to make some time for that.” (6 seconds)

The study supported by the National Institutes of Health was published in the journal Pediatrics.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May, 06 2008