Skipping breakfast may be linked to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increases the likelihood of heart disease and other serious health problems. A large study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that adults who frequently skipped breakfast were significantly more likely to show signs of metabolic dysfunction.
Researchers analyzed health and lifestyle data from nearly 16,000 adults between the ages of 35 and 74. Participants who skipped breakfast four or more times per week had about a 24% higher likelihood of metabolic syndrome compared with those who regularly ate breakfast. The habit was also associated with higher fasting blood sugar, elevated blood pressure and lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol.
Scientists say the findings suggest that regular breakfast consumption may play a role in supporting cardiometabolic health. Skipping breakfast can prolong overnight fasting and may disrupt normal metabolic processes, potentially contributing to insulin resistance and other metabolic changes. While the study does not prove cause and effect, researchers say maintaining regular meal patterns could be an important strategy for reducing long-term health risks.
SOURCE:
News Medical, March 16, 2026