According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, "not eating breakfast has been associated with excess body weight." The Independent reports this government health advice is questioned by further studies, including a New York hospital research saying skipping "the most important meal of the day" may actually help people lose weight.
Researchers from New York conducted a study among three groups of subjects. For four weeks at 8:30 AM - one group consumed oatmeal, another group ate frosted corn flakes, and the last group had nothing. Authors of the study found out that those who didn't have breakfast were the ones who lost weight.
A similar study done by researchers at Columbia University somehow supports these findings. Published in a paper last year, results have proven that "in overweight individuals, skipping breakfast daily for 4 weeks leads to a reduction in body weight."
As a contradiction to the government's health advice, these studies began to confuse Americans on whether or not opt to skip breakfast i ever they wish to lose weight.
"Eat a nutrient-dense breakfast," the 2010 U.S. Dietary Guideline suggests. "Not eating breakfast has been associated with excess body weight, especially among children and adolescents. Consuming breakfast also has been associated with weight loss and weight loss maintenance."
In an e-mail, chair of the 2010 advisory committee, Lisa Van Horn explains further research has to be conducted since resources were "limited" in the study they conducted five years ago. This is important since the Dietary Guidelines define government health programs.
"Regardless of the evidence though," Van Horn stated in her e-mail, "it might be important for you to recognize the value of eating breakfast due to its frequent inclusion of higher fiber containing foods."
Until further advice, people could use exercise as their daily morning routine in order to lose weight.
