Do Most Adults Skip Breakfast? Separating Fact from Fiction

December 31, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the CDC, roughly 84.4% of adults aged 20 or older consumed breakfast on a given day between 2015 and 2018, suggesting the perception that most adults skip breakfast may be inaccurate. While the majority of adults do eat breakfast, a significant portion still miss this meal, leading to various health considerations and nutritional gaps. This article explores the nuanced reality of adult breakfast consumption, the reasons behind skipping, and its potential impact on health.

Quick Summary

This article examines current statistics on adult breakfast habits, revealing that while a majority consume breakfast, a notable percentage still skip it. It delves into the reasons for skipping, the associated health consequences like nutrient deficiencies and weight management issues, and the benefits of regular breakfast consumption. The guide offers practical tips for establishing a consistent morning meal routine.

Key Points

Majority do not skip breakfast: Contrary to popular belief, national surveys show that most adults do eat breakfast, though younger adults are more likely to skip.
Reasons for skipping vary: Factors like a lack of time, weight control misconceptions, not feeling hungry, and socioeconomic status all contribute to adults skipping breakfast.
Nutrient deficiencies are a risk: Adults who skip breakfast often miss out on key nutrients such as calcium, fiber, and vitamins, resulting in a lower overall diet quality.
Skipping impacts weight management: Far from aiding weight loss, research links skipping breakfast to an increased risk of weight gain, obesity, and poor food choices later in the day.
Associated with poorer health outcomes: Consistent breakfast skipping is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and impaired cognitive function.
Simple steps can build consistency: Strategies like night-before prep, opting for easy grab-and-go options, and starting with small meals can help establish a regular breakfast habit.

The Surprising Truth: Most Adults Don't Skip Breakfast

Despite common assumptions, national surveys indicate that most adults in the U.S. and other regions do not regularly skip breakfast. Data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2015–2018 found that 84.4% of adults over 20 years old consumed breakfast on a given day. This figure challenges the popular belief that skipping breakfast is a widespread phenomenon among the majority.

However, this doesn't mean the issue is non-existent. A closer look at the data reveals notable variations based on age, gender, and socioeconomic factors. For instance, younger adults (20–39 years) are more likely to skip breakfast than older adults (40+). The reasons for skipping can vary widely, from a lack of time due to busy schedules to lifestyle factors or a simple lack of appetite in the morning.

Why Some Adults Still Skip Breakfast

While the majority eat breakfast, the reasons for those who skip are varied and complex. Understanding these motivations is key to addressing the issue and promoting healthier eating habits. Some of the most common reasons include:

Lack of time: Hectic morning routines, a long commute, or simply oversleeping can leave little time to prepare and eat a proper meal.
Dieting or weight control: Some individuals mistakenly believe that skipping a meal will help them lose weight by reducing their overall caloric intake. This strategy can often backfire, leading to overeating later in the day and potential weight gain.
Not feeling hungry: Some adults simply don't feel hungry in the morning, which may be due to eating late at night or being accustomed to the habit of not eating first thing.
Socioeconomic factors: Financial constraints or lack of access to nutritious food can influence whether a person eats breakfast.
Poor health literacy: Some people may not be fully aware of the importance of breakfast and its connection to overall health.

The Health Consequences of Skipping Breakfast

Regularly skipping breakfast has been linked to a range of potential negative health outcomes. While an occasional missed meal is unlikely to cause serious harm, consistently skipping breakfast can impact everything from nutrient intake to metabolic health.

Comparison of Breakfast Eaters vs. Skippers


Feature	Regular Breakfast Eaters	Regular Breakfast Skippers
Nutrient Intake	Higher intake of vital nutrients like calcium, fiber, and vitamins.	Higher likelihood of nutrient deficiencies and lower overall diet quality.
Metabolism	Kick-starts metabolism, aiding in calorie burning throughout the day.	Can lead to a slower metabolism and increased late-night eating.
Weight Management	Associated with better weight management and a lower risk of obesity.	Linked to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity over time.
Blood Sugar Control	Promotes stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.	May decrease insulin sensitivity and lead to poor blood sugar control.
Cardiovascular Health	Lower risk of heart disease and related cardiometabolic factors.	Higher risk of heart problems, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Cognitive Performance	Improves concentration, memory, and cognitive function.	Associated with reduced cognitive performance and poor concentration.
Mood and Energy	Boosts energy levels and improves mood.	Often experience a mid-morning energy slump, fatigue, and potential mood issues.

Long-Term Health Risks

Beyond the immediate effects, studies have linked consistent breakfast skipping to more serious, long-term health concerns. These include an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. The connection often stems from the compensatory eating that occurs later in the day, where people may make less nutritious food choices high in fat, sugar, and calories.

How to Build a Consistent Breakfast Habit

For those who want to transition from skipping breakfast to making it a regular part of their routine, consistency is key. Here are some actionable strategies:

Start small: Don't feel pressure to prepare a full, elaborate meal. A simple, easy breakfast is better than nothing. Try a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or a small yogurt to begin with.
Prep the night before: For busy mornings, preparing breakfast in advance is a game-changer. Overnight oats, pre-chopped fruit for a smoothie, or hard-boiled eggs are all great options.
Embrace 'grab-and-go' options: Stock your kitchen with convenient choices like granola bars, Greek yogurt, or whole-grain muffins that you can eat on the way out the door.
Reframe your perception: Instead of viewing breakfast as a chore, see it as an investment in your day. Think about the increased energy, focus, and improved health outcomes you're working towards.
Find what you like: If you're tired of traditional breakfast foods like cereal and toast, get creative. Try a savory option like an egg and vegetable scramble, or something completely different like a leftovers from last night's healthy dinner.

Conclusion

While most adults do not skip breakfast on a regular basis, a significant portion do, and this habit is not without its health consequences. The evidence suggests that consistent breakfast consumption is linked to better overall diet quality, improved energy levels, and a lower risk of various health problems. Understanding the personal reasons for skipping is the first step towards creating a sustainable morning routine. By starting small and incorporating simple, prepared-ahead meals, adults can reap the many benefits of making breakfast a priority. For more information on the impact of skipping meals on daily intake and diet quality, the USDA offers detailed research on the topic.

Comparison of Grab-and-Go Breakfasts


Meal	Pros	Cons	Best For...
Overnight Oats	High in fiber, customizable, very low prep time in the morning.	Requires night-before prep, may not appeal to those who prefer warm meals.	Those who are organized and short on time in the morning.
Hard-Boiled Eggs	High in protein, keeps you full, easy to make a batch for the week.	Can be boring if not paired with other items, some people dislike the texture.	High-protein seekers who are planning ahead.
Greek Yogurt with Berries	High protein, calcium, quick and easy, very fresh and appealing.	Can be high in sugar if flavored yogurt is used, needs refrigeration.	People who want a quick, fresh, and protein-packed start.
Smoothie	Quick to consume, great way to get fruits and veggies, easily portable.	Can be high in sugar if only fruit is used, requires a blender.	People who want a nutritious, fast, and drinkable meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the phrase 'most important meal of the day' is often debated, experts agree that breakfast provides essential energy and nutrients to kickstart your day. Regularly eating breakfast is linked to numerous health benefits, including improved diet quality, better weight management, and enhanced cognitive function.

Consistently skipping breakfast can lead to various health issues, including nutrient deficiencies, poor weight management, a higher risk of heart disease, and decreased insulin sensitivity. It can also result in lower energy levels and reduced concentration throughout the morning.

Yes, research indicates that younger adults are more likely to skip breakfast. For example, a CDC survey from 2015–2018 found that 76.6% of adults aged 20–39 ate breakfast on a given day, compared to 91.6% of those aged 60 and older.

If you're not hungry first thing, try a small, light option like a piece of fruit or a small handful of nuts. You can also shift your breakfast time slightly later in the morning. Gradually, your body may adjust to eating earlier.

No, skipping breakfast does not typically lead to effective or sustainable weight loss. It can slow your metabolism and often leads to increased hunger and poor food choices later in the day, which can result in a higher overall calorie intake and weight gain.

Easy grab-and-go options include overnight oats prepared the night before, pre-portioned Greek yogurt with berries, hard-boiled eggs, or a high-fiber granola bar. These require minimal morning prep and are nutritionally sound.

Yes, eating breakfast provides essential glucose to your brain, which is necessary for optimal function. Skipping this meal can lead to an energy crash, reduced concentration, and poorer cognitive performance during the morning.