Study Finds Children Who Regularly Eat Breakfast in Portugal Experience Higher Life Satisfaction Compared to Their Peers in Romania Who Often Skip It

A recent study sheds light on the surprising connection between skipping breakfast and children’s overall happiness. According to the research, children aged 10 to 17 who regularly missed breakfast were found to be less content with their lives.

This comprehensive study, which involved nearly 150,000 young people from 42 countries including the UK, revealed some intriguing patterns.

The study discovered that children who ate breakfast every day had the highest levels of life satisfaction, while those who never had breakfast scored the lowest.

Researchers attribute this to several factors. For one, the essential vitamins and nutrients found in breakfast can improve focus and learning at school.

In Portugal, where daily breakfast consumption was highest, children reported the greatest life satisfaction. Conversely, in Romania, children who skipped breakfast had the lowest satisfaction scores.

Socio-Economic Factors and Regional Differences

The research, conducted by Anglia Ruskin University and Universidad de las Americas, also touched upon socio-economic influences.

In England, children who ate breakfast daily ranked fifth in the lowest life satisfaction scores, behind Romania, Hungary, Germany, and Austria.

Professor Lee Smith, a senior author and public health expert at ARU, highlighted that their findings consistently linked regular breakfast consumption with higher life satisfaction.

Why Breakfast Matters

Previous studies have already shown that skipping breakfast can lead to mood issues, anxiety, stress, and depression among adolescents.

An adequate breakfast not only provides crucial energy and nutrients but also supports cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and learning. Moreover, a structured routine that includes breakfast may contribute to a more positive outlook throughout the day.

Variations Across Countries

While the study noted some differences between countries, likely due to varying cultures and socio-economic factors, the overall trend was clear.

In all the countries surveyed, children who ate breakfast daily reported higher life satisfaction compared to those who skipped it.

These findings were published in the BMC Nutrition Journal.