Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a group of metabolic disorders with insulin resistance and central obesity as the underlying basis. The main components of MetS are elevated fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, and hypertension. Metabolic syndrome is a significant risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes and poses a significant public health burden globally, highlighting the urgent need to identify novel, modifiable risk factors.

Breakfast is an important meal of the day, contributing 20−35% of the daily energy intake. A nutritionally balanced breakfast activates metabolic pathways and supports cognitive performance. Significant health risks may occur due to long-term skipping of breakfast or an imbalance in the nutritional structure at breakfast. Research has examined the effects of dietary patterns and specific foods on these conditions; however, the impact of meal frequency, specifically breakfast, remains unclear. Moreover, although growing number of observational studies have examined associations between skipping breakfast and the incidence or prevalence of MetS, evidence on the relationship is highly heterogeneous.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by Yang B et al., published in the journal “Nutrients”, investigated the association between skipping breakfast and the risk of MetS and its components. The review included 9 cross-sectional and cohort studies. The findings revealed that people who skip breakfast were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome and its key components: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. This highlights the power of regular breakfast for preventing and managing MetS and related cardiometabolic diseases (see Graphic).