ASSOCIATION OF BREAKFAST SKIPPING WITH BODY MASS INDEX AND CONCENTRATION LEVELS AMONG ADOLESCENTS: A SCHOOL-BASED CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY IN CHENNAI

Abstract

Background:
Breakfast is a critical meal for adolescents, influencing both physical health and cognitive development. However, increasing trends of breakfast skipping, particularly in urban school populations, have raised concerns regarding its long-term health impacts.

Objectives:
To evaluate the association between breakfast skipping, body mass index (BMI), and concentration levels among adolescents in secondary schools in Chennai.

Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 360 adolescents aged 13–18 years, selected through stratified random sampling from three secondary schools in Chennai. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and the d2 Test of Attention. Participants were categorized into regular eaters (≥5 days/week), occasional skippers (2–4 days/week), and frequent skippers (≤1 day/week). Statistical analysis included ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression adjusted for age, gender, SES, physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration.

Results:
The mean BMI increased significantly across breakfast skipping categories (p < 0.001), with frequent skippers showing the highest mean BMI (24.6 ± 3.4 kg/m²). Concentration scores declined progressively from regular eaters (317.5 ± 28.6) to frequent skippers (256.8 ± 35.7) (p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation showed a moderate negative association between breakfast frequency and BMI (r = –0.38) and a positive association with concentration (r = +0.45) (both p < 0.001). In multivariable regression, breakfast skipping independently predicted higher BMI (β = +1.74, p < 0.001) and lower concentration scores (β = –27.8, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for lifestyle factors.

Conclusion:
Breakfast skipping is significantly associated with increased BMI and decreased concentration levels among adolescents. These findings underscore the importance of regular breakfast consumption in promoting adolescent health and academic performance. School-based interventions and parental engagement strategies are recommended to address this modifiable behavior.