Morning habit that increases the risk of diabetes and hypertension

Scientists from Ningxia Medical University have confirmed that regularly skipping breakfast increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome — a condition in which sugar and fat metabolism are simultaneously disrupted, blood pressure rises, and waist circumference increases. The results of the study were published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.

The large-scale study encompassed 15,959 residents of Northwestern China aged 35 to 74. Each participant was thoroughly interviewed about their dietary habits and lifestyle, and blood samples were taken for laboratory analysis. The data obtained proved quite telling: among those who skip breakfast four or more times per week, the risk of metabolic syndrome was approximately 25% higher compared to people who eat breakfast regularly.

This association was most clearly evident in men and in people with excess body weight. In addition, skipping the morning meal was associated with elevated fasting blood sugar levels, hypertension, and reduced levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL). Notably, even after adjusting for age, sex, and other lifestyle factors, the pattern remained consistent.

The authors of the study emphasize that the research is observational in nature and does not prove a direct causal relationship. Nevertheless, the results suggest that eating breakfast regularly may be a simple yet important factor associated with a more favorable metabolic profile.