Breakfast skipping causally linked to weight gain and higher LDL cholesterol

• Stroke: OR: 0.877, 95% CI: 0.680–1.131; p = 0.311

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: OR: 1.114, 95% CI: 0.631–1.970; p = 0.709

Weight and Cholesterol Impact: Genetically predicted breakfast skipping showed a significant association with:

• Increased Body Mass Index (BMI): β: 0.250, SE: 0.079; p = 0.001

• Increased Waist-to-Hip Ratio: β: 0.177, SE: 0.076; p = 0.019

• Elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C): β: 0.260, SE: 0.115; p = 0.024

Blood Pressure and Glycemic Traits: No evidence of an association between genetic liability to breakfast skipping and:

• Systolic Blood Pressure

• Diastolic Blood Pressure

• Glycemic Traits

• Other Blood Lipids

Sensitivity Analysis: Results were robust, supporting the observed causal links between breakfast skipping, weight gain, and cholesterol increase.

However, it revealed a clear association between genetically predicted breakfast skipping and weight gain, as well as elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of breakfast skipping allows for a more nuanced perspective on its impact. The study suggests that weight management and cholesterol control may be crucial aspects to address for individuals who regularly skip breakfast. These insights could inform personalized approaches to cardiometabolic health.

Reference:

Xia, M., Zhong, Y., Peng, Y., & Qian, C. Breakfast skipping and traits of cardiometabolic health: A mendelian randomization study. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN,2024;59:328–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.12.149