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Research
Effect of breakfast on weight and energy intake: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
BMJ 2019; 364 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l42 (Published 30 January 2019) Cite this as: BMJ 2019;364:l42
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A GOfER diagram (Graphical Overview for Evidence Reviews) showing a visual summary of the included trials from this review.
Opinion
Breakfast—the most important meal of the day?
Rapid Response:
Re: Effect of breakfast on weight and energy intake: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Evidence is provided (BMJ 2019;;364:1456) that those who eat breakfast consume 260 kcal a day more than those who do not, yet they weigh only 0.44kg more. This is clear evidence that eating more of the total calorie intake at breakfast time is a good way of preventing weight gain. It is uncertain why this should be. The calories may be absorbed less well, or more likely they are metabolised differently.
An important strategy for weight reduction must therefore be to take more of the total daily calorie intake at breakfast time, contrary to the suggestions of your contributors..
Allen Shaw
Competing interests: No competing interests