People Are Skipping Breakfast—Nutritionists Are Divided
For decades, breakfast was called the most important meal of the day. Now, with intermittent fasting and shifting schedules, many people are skipping it entirely. Some nutrition experts say that can be perfectly healthy — while others strongly disagree. Here’s where leading voices differ and why the debate continues.
Why More People Are Skipping Breakfast
Intermittent fasting plans, busy mornings, and reduced appetites are leading more adults to delay their first meal. Many say they feel more focused and consume fewer total calories when they skip breakfast.
The Traditional Pro-Breakfast View
Many long-standing nutrition guidelines have recommended breakfast to support metabolism, energy, and appetite control. Older population studies often linked breakfast eating with healthier body weight and better nutrient intake.
Expert View: Breakfast Supports Nutrient Intake
Dr. Walter Willett (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) has noted in public guidance that breakfast can help people meet daily nutrient needs — especially fiber, vitamins, and minerals — depending on food choices. Skipping it may lower overall diet quality for some individuals.
Expert View: Skipping Can Work for Some People
Dr. Krista Varady, a well-known intermittent fasting researcher, has published multiple studies on time-restricted eating. Her research suggests that skipping breakfast as part of a structured fasting window can support weight loss and metabolic health for certain people.
Blood Sugar Concerns
Some dietitians warn that missing breakfast may lead to blood sugar swings and overeating later in the day — particularly for people with diabetes or insulin sensitivity. Others say this effect varies widely by person and meal composition.
Appetite and Cravings Debate
Registered Dietitian Abbey Sharp has publicly argued that skipping breakfast can backfire for many people by increasing hunger and cravings later. Other clinicians report the opposite — that appetite stabilizes after an adjustment period.
Metabolism: Boost or Myth?
For years, it was claimed that eating early “boosts metabolism.” Researchers like Dr. Kevin Hall (NIH metabolic researcher) have helped show that total daily calories matter more than meal timing alone for weight control.
Performance and Focus Differences
Sports dietitians often recommend breakfast for athletes and highly active individuals to support performance and recovery. More sedentary adults may not notice the same benefit.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine physician, has emphasized in his public writing that meal timing should be individualized. Factors like hormones, sleep, activity level, and medical conditions all play a role.
What Most Experts Agree On
While opinions differ on timing, most nutrition professionals agree on this: if you eat breakfast, prioritize protein, fiber, and healthy fats — and if you skip it, make sure your later meals are balanced and not driven by extreme hunger.
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