Deleterious effects of omitting breakfast on insulin sensitivity and fasting lipid profiles in healthy lean women

Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Feb;81(2):388-96. doi: 10.1093/ajcn.81.2.388.

Abstract

Background: Breakfast consumption is recommended, despite inconclusive evidence of health benefits.

Objective: The study's aim was to ascertain whether eating breakfast (EB) or omitting breakfast (OB) affects energy intake, energy expenditure, and circulating insulin, glucose, and lipid concentrations in healthy women.

Design: In a randomized crossover trial, 10 women [x+/-SD body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 23.2+/-1.4] underwent two 14-d EB or OB interventions separated by a 2-wk interval. In the EB period, subjects consumed breakfast cereal with 2%-fat milk before 0800 and a chocolate-covered cookie between 1030 and 1100. In the OB period, subjects consumed the cookie between 1030 and 1100 and the cereal and milk between 1200 and 1330. Subjects then consumed 4 additional meals with content similar to usual at predetermined times later in the day and recorded food intake on 3 d during each period. Fasting and posttest meal glucose, lipid, and insulin concentrations and resting energy expenditure were measured before and after each period.

Results: Reported energy intake was significantly lower in the EB period (P=0.001), and resting energy expenditure did not differ significantly between the 2 periods. OB was associated with significantly higher fasting total and LDL cholesterol than was EB (3.14 and 3.43 mmol/L and 1.55 and 1.82 mmol/L, respectively; P=0.001). The area under the curve of insulin response to the test meal was significantly lower after EB than after OB (P<0.01).

Conclusion: OB impairs fasting lipids and postprandial insulin sensitivity and could lead to weight gain if the observed higher energy intake was sustained.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anthropometry
  • Appetite / physiology
  • Area Under Curve
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Eating / physiology*
  • Energy Intake
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Fasting / blood
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism*
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Postprandial Period

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Lipids