Breakfast consumption habits and prevalence of overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti adolescents

Abstract

Breakfast is widely considered a key component of a healthy dietary lifestyle. However, the habit of skipping breakfast among children and adolescents is common.1,2 It has been demonstrated that daily consumption of breakfast is more frequent among boys (39– 76%) than among girls (36–71%).2 Regular breakfast consumption is generally associated with high dietary quality and nutrient profiles in children.3 A systematic review has shown that breakfast consumption is generally associated with positive effects on cognitive performance.4 In addition, a recent review has demonstrated the positive effects of breakfast consumption on cardiovascular health and weight management.5 Observational evidence has shown that children and adolescents who eat breakfast have a reduced risk of becoming overweight and obese, compared to breakfast skippers.6 However, some studies have found no such associations.7 Globally, obesity has more than doubled since 1980.8 The growing prevalence of overweight and obesity has been described as a pandemic in developing countries. 9,10 In 2015, the KNNS reported that overweight and obesity is on the rise among all age groups, with a prevalence of 57% at age 11 to < 13, 52.4% at age 13 to < 15, 51.6% at age 15 to < 17, and 47.9% at age 17 and above.11