Some studies have suggested that skipping breakfast may offer several health benefits, including protection against chronic illnesses.
Research has indicated that avoiding the morning meal could help protect the body from conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, age-related neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory bowel disease and several forms of cancer.
Intermittent fasting has also been linked to improvements in blood pressure, resting heart rate and other cardiovascular indicators.
Studies have further stated that eating or skipping breakfast does not significantly affect the number of calories burned if the aim is to improve metabolism or lose weight.
Researchers have argued that claims suggesting breakfast “boosts” metabolism are unfounded.
The Academy of Health Sciences said reducing calories consumed at breakfast may improve daily energy balance for people who are overweight or obese.
Experts explained that this may encourage the body to enter a safe ketogenic state, in which stored fat is used as a source of energy, helping natural fat-burning processes.
Scientists also noted that when a person does not eat for a period of time, a cellular process known as autophagy removes waste left behind by dead and damaged cells.
Failure of this process may contribute to ageing and the worsening of age-related illnesses.
Studies have suggested that skipping a meal, particularly breakfast on occasion, may support cellular cleansing and increase autophagic activity during intermittent fasting.
Researchers reported that many people experience greater mental clarity, alertness and concentration in the morning when they do not eat breakfast, allowing improved focus on daily tasks.
Most studies on intermittent fasting have also shown improvements in fasting glucose, fasting insulin and leptin levels, while reducing insulin resistance and inflammation in the body.
Some supervised cases found that individuals who skipped breakfast under medical guidance were able to reduce their dependence on insulin treatment.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to several health conditions, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel syndrome.
