Study: People Who Eat Cereal for Breakfast Less Likely to Be Obese

People who eat ready-to-eat cereal, hot cereal or quick breads for breakfast are more likely to have a lower body mass index than those who skip breakfast or eat bacon or ham and eggs.

This finding by University of California-Berkeley researchers demonstrates that in addition to the importance of eating breakfast, the types of breakfast foods consumed may influence body mass index.

Researchers analyzed data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that contained information about what participants typically ate for breakfast and their body mass indices.

The participants were divided into several breakfast categories, including breakfast skippers, meat and eggs, ready-to-eat cereal, cooked cereal, breads, quick breads, fruits and vegetables, dairy, fats and sweets and beverages.

Researchers found that overweight or obese individuals were more likely to skip or consume fewer calories at breakfast.

"With 65 percent of Americans being overweight or obese, these findings support the benefits of consuming breakfast to help manage weight," said study author Gladys Block of the University of California-Berkeley School of Public Health.

The findings are reported in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Other sources: Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2003;22:296-302