Bengaluru: There was a time when I used to skip breakfast because I couldn’t squeeze out that time for it. Well, that can’t be an excuse–I know. And then, there was a time I used to skip breakfast intentionally , just to lose weight. It is much later that I realised that my decision to lose weight like this has done more damage than good. It has exposed me to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries tend to harden and narrow due to a buildup of plaque. On the other hand, eating regular breakfast on time promotes greater heart health, including healthier weight and cholesterol according to the study.

So while I was thinking of losing weight by skipping breakfast I messed up my waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipids and fasting glucose levels. A study has revealed that atherosclerosis is found more in people who skipped breakfast or consumed low-energy breakfasts. “It is a general perception amongst youngsters that skipping meals especially breakfast will yield them quick weight loss results. But if they research a little more they will find studies that have extensively spoken about the ill effects of skipping breakfast,” says Moumita Chakraborty , Nutritionist. She adds , “People who skip breakfast have an unhealthy lifestyle, including poor diet. They are prone to be hypertensive and overweight or obese.” Explaining it in more details, Dr Mukut Bhowmik says , “Breakfast is breaking the fast. So , breakfast not only gives us energy , the foods provide us with the most important nutrients such as calcium, iron , vitamins fibre and protein. These are nutrients that are essential for the body and breakfast food generally fulfills that.”

“There is a saying you should have your breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. And there is a reason behind this is scientific. Most dieticians advise a wholesome breakfast and a meagre dinner. Skipping meals makes us snack on the oily food, which is what we should avoid doing,” concludes Ranju Das, a fitness enthusiast.