Breakfast timing and its potential link to longevity

A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that the timing of food consumption may be linked to longevity. Analyzing data from 31,044 adults aged 40 and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the US between 1999 and 2018, researchers found an association between the timing of the first meal and mortality risks. The study noted that a later first meal was associated with higher risks, though it emphasized that this shows an association rather than a proven causal link.

In a related nutritional context, specialist Mihaela Bilic notes that breakfast is not mandatory for everyone and its role depends on individual goals such as weight maintenance or fat loss. She explains that eating breakfast provides external energy, which prevents the body from utilizing its own fat reserves. During periods of fasting, the body undergoes gluconeogenesis, a process where it produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources to maintain vital functions.