Researchers from the University of Essex found that a quarter of boys and a third of girls regularly miss breakfast. These children were less physically active and fit than those who did eat before leaving the house, and were more likely to be overweight or obese.
The researchers said this suggested that the lower physical activity in children who skipped breakfast could be having a knock-on effect, with those missing the meal twice as likely to be obese.
The study of 4,000 tento 16-year-olds looked at the fitness, physical activity, weight and breakfast habits of school children.
When the researchers asked the children why they didn't eat breakfast, the boys claimed that it was because they lacked time in the mornings, while the girls said they thought it would help them lose weight.
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