Consumers be aware: There is something that you can eat every day that might actually have a positive effect on your weight and energy levels. This is the latest word from researchers who have been studying the benefits of breakfast. According to a recent study published in the March 2008 issue of Pediatrics, teens who consumed breakfast regularly tended to weigh less, exercise more, and eat a more healthful diet. Conversely, those who did not consume breakfast every day had a greater chance of gaining excess weight. In fact, this is in line with a number of studies that have shown similar benefits of breakfast for children and adults.
The challenge for health professionals lies in helping consumers find ways to fit breakfast into their hectic schedules. According to the 2007 International Food Information Council Foundation Food & Health Survey, 90 percent of consumers ranked breakfast as the most important meal of the day, just less than half reported consuming breakfast all seven days of the week. The opportunity is ripe to begin a new conversation with consumers about their barriers to consuming breakfast and to help them include breakfast in their daily diets. When people are motivated to consume breakfast, they may experience a whole host of benefits that go beyond maintaining a healthy weight—and don’t be surprised if they thank you for it.
