Last Updated on August 5, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A number of Facebook posts claim that skipping breakfast will cause brain damage. We fact-checked and found that the claim is False.
The Claim
A number of Facebook posts claim that skipping breakfast will have a significant impact on brain health. One such post reads, “Those who skip breakfast have lower blood sugar levels. This can lead to insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.”
Such posts can be seen here and here.
Fact Check
Is skipping breakfast unhealthy?
Yes. Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day.
According to multiple reports published here and here, missing breakfast has been linked to various chronic health diseases including loss of appetite and obesity.
Does skipping breakfast cause brain damage?
No. There is no evidence that skipping breakfast will cause brain damage. There is no credible research that links missing breakfast directly or indirectly to brain damage.
A false social media post says that skipping breakfast can also reverse ageing.
We consulted Dr. Sushma Sharma, Senior Consultant and HOD, Neurology at Metro Hospital, Faridabad. She says, “Brain damage is a very strong word. Skipping breakfast if of course not healthy and not advisable. If you ask me whether missing breakfast is good for the brain or bad for the brain, I will surely say it’s bad for the brain. But then, that does not mean missing breakfast will cause any significant neurological problems.”