The Effect of Regular Breakfast on Body Mass Index in 9- to 10-year-old Czech Children

Background: Eating habits play a crucial role in weight control management; however, little research has examined whether frequency of breakfast consumption influences body mass index (BMI) in middle childhood. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (a) determine the relationship between BMI and the frequency of breakfast consumption, (b) examine gender differences in the frequency of eating breakfast and starting time of breakfast after waking up, and (c) explore breakfast composition. Methods: The research group consisted of 298 children aged 9-10 years (164 boys and 134 girls). Frequency of breakfast consumption, starting time of breakfast after waking up, and breakfast composition were determined by questionnaire. Results: A statistically significant difference in the regularity of breakfast consumption was found between children of the underweight, healthy weight, and overweight/obese groups (P<.001). There was no statistical gender effect for the frequency and timing of the breakfast (P>.05). Discussion: Our data indicate that regular consumption of breakfast is related to BMI values in children aged 9-10 years independent of gender. Translation to Health Education Practice: Our finding confirmed the importance of breakfast consumption and a healthy eating pattern in middle childhood.