Predictors of adolescent breakfast consumption: longitudinal findings from Project EAT

Objective: To identify predictors of breakfast consumption among adolescents.

Methods: Five-year longitudinal study Project EAT (Eating Among Teens). Baseline surveys were completed in Minneapolis-St. Paul schools and by mail at follow-up by youth (n = 800) transitioning from middle to high school. Linear regression models examined associations between baseline predictors and follow-up breakfast consumption.

Results: Frequency of breakfast consumption at follow-up was positively associated with baseline breakfast consumption and inversely associated with baseline weight concerns (P < .01). Perceptions of being too rushed in the morning to eat a healthful breakfast were associated with lower breakfast frequency 5 years later among girls (P < .01). After adjusting for baseline breakfast consumption, none of the associations with predictor variables remained statistically significant.

Conclusions and implications: Early adolescence is an important time to establish regular breakfast consumption. Interventions aimed at increasing breakfast consumption should include messages about healthful weight management and ideas for quick, healthful breakfasts.