Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Breakfast Skipping Linked to Higher Depression Risk
A study of more than 700 working adults found that people who rarely ate breakfast were more likely to report depressive symptoms.
The link remained even after researchers considered diet, exercise, and sleep.
The article says that staying hungry longer in the morning may keep the body's stress hormone elevated.
It may also affect blood sugar, which can influence mood and focus.
Eating in the morning may help the body keep its daily schedule on track.
But missing breakfast may also be a sign that someone is tired, rushed, or stressed at work.
The study shows a link, not proof that skipping breakfast causes depression.
The article suggests preparing a simple meal ahead of time and taking a few quiet minutes to eat.
The Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study tracked more than 700 working adults.
People who ate breakfast less than once a week had higher risk of depressive symptoms than regular breakfast eaters.
The reported link remained after accounting for diet quality, exercise, and sleep.
The article suggests prolonged morning fasting may affect cortisol, blood sugar, mood, and the body's daily rhythm.
It also notes that skipping breakfast may reflect workplace burnout and rushed, stressful mornings.
- Who
- More than 700 working adults in the Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study.
- What
- A study linked routinely skipping breakfast with higher risk of depressive symptoms.
- When
- The article does not specify when the study was conducted.
- Where
- The article does not specify the study location.
- Why
- The reasons are uncertain; the article discusses possible effects of fasting and workplace burnout.
- Study
- Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study
- Participants
- More than 700 working adults
- Infrequent breakfast
- Eating breakfast less than once a week
- Reported association
- Infrequent breakfast was linked to higher risk of depressive symptoms
- Factors accounted for
- Overall diet quality, exercise, and sleep
- Possible contributing factor
- Workplace burnout and stressful, rushed mornings