Study Links Breakfast Skipping to Increased Depression in Hong Kong Youth

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong has identified a notable correlation between breakfast consumption patterns and depressive symptoms among young individuals in Hong Kong. The research, published in the journal *Frontiers in Psychiatry* on July 6, 2025, highlights that young people who frequently skip breakfast report higher levels of depressive symptoms and exhibit lower attentional control.

The study analyzed data from the Hong Kong Youth Epidemiological Study of Mental Health (HK-YES), which is the first comprehensive mental health survey targeting youth aged 15 to 24 in the region. Data collection took place from 2019 to 2022, involving 3,154 participants, of whom 58% were female. Researchers, led by Stephanie Ming Yin Wong, assessed breakfast habits alongside impulsivity, depressive symptoms, and anxiety levels.

According to Wong, “Breakfast skipping is associated with elevated depressive symptoms in young people, with impaired attentional control being an important mechanism in this relationship.” The findings indicate that while 85% of participants consumed breakfast daily or intermittently, 15% reported regularly skipping the meal. Notably, those who skipped breakfast demonstrated a slight increase in impulsivity, particularly affecting their attentional control and self-control capabilities.

As part of the assessment, participants completed standardized questionnaires including the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7. Results indicated that individuals who skipped breakfast reported nearly one additional day of reduced productivity per month, alongside poorer social and occupational functioning compared to their peers who regularly ate breakfast.

The implications of this study are significant, suggesting that breakfast consumption may play a role in mental health interventions for youth. “Encouraging young people to build regular breakfast habits may be incorporated as part of future lifestyle interventions for mental disorders and be further emphasized in public health policies,” Wong concluded.

However, it is essential to note that the study's reported associations were weak, and the findings may not be universally applicable to other cultural contexts. The research primarily focused on Hong Kong residents, and variations in breakfast habits and mental health outcomes may exist in different cultural settings.

Historically, breakfast has been recognized for its nutritional importance, helping to replenish energy and provide essential nutrients following overnight fasting. Numerous studies have linked breakfast consumption to improved cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and academic performance, particularly in children. Conversely, skipping breakfast has been associated with negative dietary outcomes and increased risks of overeating later in the day.

This recent research contributes to a growing body of literature examining the interaction between dietary habits and mental health, underscoring the importance of lifestyle factors in psychological well-being. Future research is warranted to explore these relationships further, particularly across diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.