Breakfast skipping causally linked to weight gain and higher LDL cholesterol
A new study employing Mendelian randomization (MR) has delved into the potential causal effects of breakfast skipping on cardiometabolic traits. This MR study did not find a direct causal link between breakfast skipping and major cardiometabolic diseases. This study was published in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN by Meng Xia and colleagues. The study aimed to unravel the potential causal effects of breakfast skipping on cardiometabolic traits, utilizing genetic data from the UK Biobank and large genome-wide association studies.
The study utilized genetic association estimates from the UK Biobank and large genome-wide association studies to explore the relationship between breakfast skipping and various cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors.
Cardiometabolic Diseases: No causal relationship was found between breakfast skipping and major cardiometabolic diseases:
• Coronary Heart Disease: Odds Ratio (OR): 1.079, 95% CI: 0.817–1.426; p = 0.591
• 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
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