The Relationship Between Regular Breakfast Consumption and Body Mass Index in Young Adults

Abstract

In recent decades, obesity has developed into a serious health concern. Many factors have been examined in the study of obesity, one of which is breakfast consumption patterns. The purpose of this study was to a) determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and breakfast intake in young adults, b) determine the effects of macronutrient consumption on total daily energy intake, and c) determine the relationship between ready-to-eat cereal consumption during breakfast and BMI. Data used to conduct this study were taken from a parent study, the Jayhawk Observed Eating Trial. The sample consisted of 267 participants recruited from the University of Kansas. Individuals were observed over a 12-week period. Anthropometric data were collected at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Participants were required to eat a certain number of meals at university dining halls. Their dietary intakes were recorded using picture plate waste (PPW) and dietary recalls. Dietary intakes were entered into NDSR. Mixed modeling analysis and general linear modeling were used for data analyses. Significant associations were found between percent breakfast consumption and BMI and percent fat consumed at breakfast and total daily energy intake. No association was found between total daily energy intake and percent protein or percent carbohydrate consumed at breakfast. Also, no significant association was found between ready-to-eat cereal consumption at breakfast and BMI. These findings indicate that breakfast consumption and breakfast type may have an impact on BMI and total daily energy intake in young adults. Therefore, young adults should consider consuming breakfast, especially a low fat breakfast, as a potential way to prevent future obesity.