Skipping breakfast regularly has a direct impact on children's happiness

A recent scientific study reveals a link between breakfast consumption frequency and life satisfaction among children and adolescents. Youngsters who frequently skip this essential meal appear to be less happy than those who have it daily.


BMC Nutrition Journal publishes the results of a large-scale study conducted by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of Las Americas. This research, which analyzed data from nearly 150,000 children aged 10 to 17 across 42 countries, shows a near-linear relationship between breakfast frequency and increased life satisfaction.

The researchers used a subjective scale from 0 to 10 to measure participants' life satisfaction. The results indicate that young individuals who have breakfast daily score the highest in life satisfaction. Conversely, those who never eat breakfast record the lowest satisfaction scores.

Portuguese children, who have this meal every day, seem the most satisfied with their lives, whereas Romanian youngsters, who frequently skip it, report the lowest satisfaction scores.

According to Professor Lee Smith from Anglia Ruskin University, several factors may explain this association. He highlights that previous studies have shown adolescents who do not have breakfast are more likely to experience anxiety, stress, and depression. Moreover, a complete breakfast provides necessary energy and nutrients for optimal cognitive functioning, thereby enhancing concentration, memory, and learning ability.

The researchers also note that socioeconomic and cultural factors might influence the observed results in different countries. For instance, among children who have breakfast daily, young people in England have relatively low satisfaction scores, ranking fifth among the lowest scores behind Romania, Hungary, Germany, and Austria.

The breakfast routine seems to play a structuring and positive role for the rest of the day. The researchers believe that regularly missing this meal can lead to a gradual decrease in life satisfaction due to the lack of essential vitamins and minerals.

This study underscores the importance of breakfast for the psychological well-being of children and adolescents. Given the potential health benefits, the authors advocate for global efforts to encourage regular breakfast consumption.