Impact of breakfast skipping on the health status of the population

Background: Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and its prevalence continues to increase at a rapid rate in various populations and across all age-group. The effect of meal skipping, both behaviorally and physiologically, may have an impact on the outcome of weight-loss efforts. Aims and Objectives: Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of breakfast skipping and obesity in subjects. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the patients visited to a metabolic clinic of the city was done. Results: One hundred and eighty-six eligible subjects were included for the study. A questionnaire was used for data collection which included information regarding dietary factors and exercise schedule/physical activity. A 24-hour dietary recall method was used to assess the amount of food consumed. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Results: Overweight is generally higherin females than males. The prevalence of overweight was higher among those who consumed more than recommended calories than those who were taking recommended or fewer calories per day. The average intake of fat and protein by the study subjects was quite different than the recommended intake of these food items. There was positive association between fat (oil) intake and overweight status and a negative association between protein intake and overweight status which was statistically significant. Conclusion: The higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in the present study could be because of imbalance in the diet and faulty food habits prevalent in the region