SKIPPING breakfast is significantly associated with a higher risk of depression, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis. Could a simple morning habit play a role in mental health outcomes?
Researchers synthesized findings from 12 observational studies and found that individuals who skipped breakfast had an 83% higher risk of depression compared with those who regularly ate breakfast (RR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.52–2.20). The analysis included data from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to September 2024, with all included studies evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quality assessment.
Although the association between skipping breakfast and depression was consistent across studies, the pooled data showed high heterogeneity (I2=96.37%). Subgroup analysis indicated that gender and study sample size contributed to variability, while regional and cultural differences in dietary patterns may also have influenced the findings. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results, and no significant publication bias was detected using the Egger test (P=0.067).
The authors noted that while the evidence strongly suggests a link between breakfast habits and depression, more research is needed to clarify underlying mechanisms and account for cultural and methodological differences. They concluded that maintaining a regular breakfast routine may be a simple, accessible strategy to reduce depression risk, though further investigations across diverse populations are warranted.
These findings add to the growing body of evidence that everyday lifestyle choices, including dietary behaviors, may significantly influence mental health outcomes.
Reference:
Tan J et al. Association of skipping breakfast with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2025;16:1548282.
