Differences in dietary behaviors and BMI of adolescents by frequency of breakfast consumption

This study examined the differences in dietary behaviors and body mass index (BMI) by frequency of breakfast consumption. Participants totaled 391 Houston area students between the ages of 12 and 17 years. Participants completed a questionnaire which included demographic and anthropometric data, food frequency questions, and a question on frequency of breakfast consumption. Participants' dietary behaviors based on responses to food frequency questions were compared by frequency of breakfast consumption using analysis of covariance (ANCOV A). Results with p < .05 were considered statistically significant. Participants who reported always eating breakfast reported higher mean intakes of fruit and fruit juice and a lower mean intake of sugar sweetened beverages than participants who sometimes or never ate breakfast. Participants who reported always eating breakfast reported higher mean intakes of milk than participants who sometimes ate breakfast. There was no difference in BMI category by breakfast eating status. Since there are limited data available regarding breakfast intake of adolescents, further research is recommended.