Breakfast: a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

BackgroundThe role of breakfast as an essential part of an healthy diet has been only recently promoted even if breakfast practices were known since the Middle Age. The growing scientific evidences on this topic are extremely sector-based nevertheless breakfast could be regarded from different point of views and from different expertises. This approach, that take into account history, sociology, anthropology, medicine, psychology and pedagogy, is useful to better understand the value of this meal in our culture. The aim of this paper was to analyse breakfast-related issues based on a multidisciplinary approach with input by specialists from different fields of learning.DiscussionBreakfast is now recommended as part of a diet because it is associated with healthier macro- and micronutrient intakes, body mass index and lifestyle. Moreover recent studies showed that breakfast improves cognitive function, intuitive perception and academic performance. Research demonstrates the importance of providing breakfast not only to children but in adults and elderly too. Although the important role breakfast plays in maintaining the health, epidemiological data from industrialised countries reveal that many individuals either eat a nutritionally unhealthy breakfast or skip it completely.SummaryThe historical, bio-psychological and educational value of breakfast in our culture is extremely important and should be recognized and stressed by the scientific community. Efforts should be done to promote this practice for the individual health and well-being.

The Effect of Breakfast on Academic Performance among High School Students in Abu Dhabi

“…Investigations found that the main reasons behind breakfast skipping among students were: not having enough time in the morning, reduced appetite, concerns about weight and body image [3].…”

Skipping breakfast and associated factors among Brazilian adolescents

“…However, studies on the eating habits of different populations and age groups show that this meal is often omitted [4][5][6]. In the first meal of the day, the body receives nutrients and energy required for daily activities, leading to the acceleration of metabolism and decreased appetite throughout the day [7,8].…”

Factors related to street food consumer preferences of Gadjah Mada University students

“…Review by Affi nita also stated that the main reasons for children skipping breakfast seem to be related to: lack of time and lack of morning appetite, but for adolescents, the reasons is more concern about their body weight (2). Another reason could be the discrepancy between the parents' work schedule and the start times at school, so parents do not have time to prepare breakfast, leaving this to children, while these ones from convenience or from the desire to sleep more (20).…”

“…Several recent studies also showed a statistically signifi cant relationship between between regular breakfast consumption and a prevalence of overweight/obesity. The "OKkio-alla Salute" survey also showed children who skip breakfast run a higher risk of being overweight or obese compared to their peers who eat a healthy breakfast (2). This can be explained by evidence that breakfast helps to regulate energy intake during the rest of the day; in fact, due to a heighten feeling of hunger, children and adolescents who regularly skip breakfast tend to eat more food at their next meal especially highdensity, high-fat food (6).…”

“…Scientific data increasingly shows that breakfast plays an important role in ensuring the good health and wellbeing of an individual (2). Evidence suggests that breakfast consumption may improve cognitive function related to memory, exam test score and the level of school attendance (3).…”