Breakfast is often called the most important meal, but research shows the picture is mixed. Some people who skip breakfast naturally eat less overall and manage their weight well, while others compensate by overeating later or grabbing high-sugar snacks, which can backfire. There is no strong evidence that skipping breakfast directly causes weight gain in everyone.
What matters is the overall quality and quantity of your food across the day. If skipping breakfast leaves you energised and you eat well otherwise, it can be fine. If it leaves you irritable, unfocused or prone to overeating, eating something balanced in the morning helps.
Certain groups should be more careful. Children and teenagers generally benefit from breakfast for concentration, and people with diabetes, especially those on insulin or some diabetes medicines, may need regular meals to keep blood sugar stable. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor before changing meal patterns.