Do Many People Skip Breakfast? Habits, Demographics, and Health Impacts

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies indicate that more than half of high school students skip breakfast at least a few days a week, and a significant portion skip it daily. While the perception of a ubiquitous breakfast might persist, the reality is that many people, especially younger demographics, choose to forgo their morning meal for various reasons.

Quick Summary

Current data reveals that skipping breakfast is a prevalent trend, particularly among adolescents and university students, with multiple factors contributing to this behavior. This article examines the frequency of skipping breakfast, identifies key demographic groups, explores the primary reasons people skip the meal, and outlines the potential health consequences associated with this habit.

Key Points

Prevalence is high, especially among youth: A CDC study in 2023 found that nearly 1 in 5 high school students skipped breakfast every day, with most skipping at least one day per week.
Girls skip more than boys: Research consistently shows that females are more likely to skip breakfast than males, a trend often linked to dieting and body image issues.
Lack of time is a primary reason: Busy mornings, prioritizing extra sleep, and long commutes are major factors driving people to skip breakfast.
Poor health is associated with skipping: Habitual breakfast skipping is linked to increased risk of weight gain, poor mental health, and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Socioeconomics play a role: Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more prone to skipping breakfast, sometimes due to economic constraints.
Psychological factors are influential: Anxiety, sadness, and poor sleep quality are associated with a higher likelihood of skipping meals in the morning.

Prevalence and Demographics of Skipping Breakfast

The practice of skipping breakfast is widespread, though its prevalence varies significantly across different age groups and populations. Recent studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that most high school students skip breakfast at least once in a seven-day period, with nearly one in five skipping it every day. The trend is not limited to teenagers, as high rates of breakfast skipping are also reported among university students and young adults.

Key demographic factors influencing breakfast skipping:

Age and school grade: A Norwegian study found that 22% of secondary school students regularly skipped breakfast on school days, with older students showing higher rates than younger students. In Australia, high schoolers in grades 10-12 were four times more likely to always skip breakfast compared to those in grades 4-5.
Gender: Research consistently shows that females are more likely to skip breakfast than males. In a 2023 CDC survey, 19.7% of female high school students skipped breakfast every day compared to 16.2% of males. This disparity is often attributed to body image concerns and dieting.
Socioeconomic Status (SES): Several studies have found a link between lower socioeconomic status and higher rates of breakfast skipping. Adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are significantly more likely to miss their morning meal compared to their more affluent peers.
Sexual Identity: A 2023 CDC report indicated that skipping breakfast every day was more prevalent among LGBTQ+ high school students compared to their heterosexual counterparts, suggesting a link with mental health struggles.

Why Are People Skipping Breakfast?

The reasons behind skipping breakfast are varied, combining lifestyle choices with psychological and economic factors. One of the most frequently cited reasons is simply a lack of time. Many people, especially students and busy professionals, prioritize extra sleep or other morning tasks over preparing and eating a meal. Other key factors include:

No appetite: A significant portion of individuals, particularly adolescents, report not feeling hungry in the morning. This can be a result of eating large meals or snacks late the night before.
Weight control: The misconception that skipping breakfast is an effective way to lose weight persists, especially among teenage girls. However, research shows this often backfires, leading to overeating later in the day and potential weight gain.
Economic constraints: For some, particularly those in lower SES groups, the cost of food is a real barrier to having a regular, nutritious breakfast. While a smaller percentage, it is a significant factor for vulnerable populations.
Psychological factors: Feelings of sadness, stress, or depression have been linked with a higher likelihood of skipping breakfast. Poor sleep quality and night-eating syndrome are also associated factors.

Potential Consequences of Skipping Breakfast

While occasionally missing a meal may not have severe repercussions, consistently skipping breakfast can be detrimental to one's health and well-being. The repercussions can be short-term, such as reduced cognitive function, or long-term, like an increased risk of chronic disease.

Table: Regular Breakfast vs. Skipping Breakfast


Health Aspect	Regular Breakfast Consumption	Skipping Breakfast
Energy Levels	Provides steady energy and boosts metabolism.	Can lead to lethargy, fatigue, and sluggishness.
Cognitive Performance	Associated with improved focus, memory, and academic grades.	Linked to difficulty concentrating and poorer problem-solving skills.
Nutrient Intake	Often leads to a higher intake of essential vitamins and fiber.	Increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies and overall poor diet quality.
Weight Management	Can aid in weight control by reducing hunger and cravings later on.	Associated with a higher risk of weight gain and obesity, as well as an increased appetite.
Chronic Disease Risk	Decreases risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.	Increases risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Mood and Well-being	Helps stabilize blood sugar, leading to a better mood.	Can cause mood swings, irritability, and higher cortisol levels.

A Balanced Perspective on the “Most Important Meal”

While the phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is a common refrain, it's more accurate to say that eating a nutritious meal early in the day is beneficial for most people. The timing of food intake affects the body's circadian rhythm and metabolism. For those who genuinely have no appetite in the morning, forcing breakfast might be counterproductive. However, for the vast majority of those who skip breakfast due to hectic schedules or misinformation, the benefits of making time for a nutritious meal are clear. Health professionals can play a vital role by addressing underlying issues like poor sleep, mental health, or economic barriers that contribute to the habit.

Conclusion: The Rise of the Breakfast Skipper

The answer to the question "do many people skip breakfast?" is a resounding yes, and the reasons are complex and varied. While once a less common habit, skipping breakfast has become a norm for a significant percentage of the population, particularly adolescents. The trend is influenced by factors ranging from modern lifestyle and busy schedules to body image concerns and socioeconomic disparities. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted health interventions. While individual needs vary, the overwhelming evidence points to the multiple benefits of a consistent, healthy morning meal for cognitive function, physical health, and overall well-being. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, promoting flexible, accessible, and nutritious breakfast options is key to reversing this widespread trend.

For more nutritional insights, explore the CDC's extensive research on health behaviors among students, which provides a wealth of data on eating habits and other wellness indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, statistics from various studies show that skipping breakfast is a common habit, especially among adolescents and young adults. For example, a 2023 CDC survey found that nearly 18% of US high school students skip breakfast every day.

Demographic data suggests that older adolescents, females, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to skip breakfast regularly compared to their peers.

The most common reasons cited include a lack of time due to busy mornings, not feeling hungry in the morning, and attempts at weight control. Economic constraints and psychological factors also contribute.

Yes, studies have found associations between skipping breakfast and poorer mental health. A CDC report noted that high school students who skip breakfast daily are more likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Ironically, yes. While some people skip breakfast for weight loss, research indicates that breakfast skippers are more likely to overeat later in the day and choose less healthy foods, which can contribute to weight gain.

Yes, there are many healthy, quick breakfast options for busy mornings. Examples include pre-made overnight oats, yogurt with fruit, boiled eggs, or smoothies prepared with a few key ingredients.

Regularly skipping breakfast is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.