A report by Verywell Health noted that some individuals who skip breakfast feel tired and experience a decrease in energy. Research shows that avoiding food can lead to fatigue and weakness due to lower blood sugar levels. However, once the body adapts to fasting, people may feel more energized and less tired throughout the day.
Here are the most notable possible effects of skipping breakfast:
Cortisol Levels
Morning fasting can lead to a rise in cortisol levels—the "stress hormone" released by the body during physical or mental stress. Normally, cortisol levels drop at night during sleep.
Metabolic Rate
Skipping breakfast may slow down your metabolic rate, reducing the number of calories the body burns daily. When the body doesn't receive enough energy in the morning, it may slow its metabolism to conserve energy.
Heart Disease
According to reports, skipping breakfast may increase the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that people who skip this meal are more likely to develop atherosclerosis, which raises the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Mood Swings
A drop in blood sugar due to fasting can trigger mood irritability, nervousness, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
Calorie Intake
Studies show that people who skip breakfast often tend to eat larger lunches and dinners and consume more calorie-dense foods, which can negatively affect the quality of their diet.
Nutritional Deficiency
People who follow intermittent fasting may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies due to insufficient calorie and nutrient intake. For this reason, intermittent fasting is not recommended for children, teenagers, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
While skipping breakfast isn't suitable for everyone, fasting for 12 to 16 hours may help some individuals improve metabolic health and achieve better weight loss results.
There is no universal “right time” to eat breakfast—the best time depends on individual health goals, personal preferences, and sensitivity to low blood sugar levels.
Source: Sky News Arabia