Adolescence - Skipping Meals - Physical

Raises Diabetes Risk

Over the course of eight weeks, a study tested subjects where they skipped two meals every day and ate all of the calories they would normally eat in one big daily meal. At the end of the study, participants had blood sugar levels and insulin responses that put them at a higher risk for diabetes than they had had before the study began.

• Impairs Concentration

  Glucose, which your body obtains by breaking down nutrients in the food you eat, is the primary source of energy for your brain and central nervous system. When you fast for several hours or more, the supply of glucose to your brain dwindles. This can impair your concentration, focus, memory and mood. 

Other Health Risks

Skipping meals regularly can have health consequences that range from mild to severe. Fatigue, dizziness or fainting are among the most mild; in the long term, you may also notice anemia, bone loss, thyroid function impairment, decreased immunity and worsening dental health. If you’re considering consistently skipping a meal for any reason, see your doctor before proceeding

Increases Binging

Skipping a meal is likely to make you feel hungrier when it comes time to eat next, and this could cause you to eat more calories than you would have otherwise. Skipping breakfast, in particular, has been associated with obesity in several scientific studies.