Skipping Breakfast Raises Blood Cholesterol

“Eating Well” magazine quoted cardiologists and nutritionists warning that skipping breakfast gradually raises blood cholesterol levels over time.

Nutritionist Rothstein explained that the body’s cholesterol synthesis typically peaks in the early morning hours, while eating breakfast provides nutrients that help curb this process. She noted that prolonged morning fasting can alter levels of satiety and hunger hormones, increasing appetite and promoting insulin resistance.

For his part, cardiologist Randy Gold clarified that skipping breakfast may trigger metabolic changes that increase cholesterol production and could also lead to overeating later in the day, which in turn makes it harder for the body to clear harmful cholesterol from the blood.

Nutrition experts highlighted several morning habits that help protect the heart and regulate cholesterol levels. These include starting the day with a fiber- and protein-rich breakfast instead of skipping it, engaging in light physical activity immediately after waking—even for just a few minutes, taking a short time to reduce stress and calm the mind before beginning the day, and choosing plant-based foods and whole grains over processed options in the morning.

The magazine noted that whole grains, in particular, play an important role in this context, as skipping breakfast may make it difficult for individuals to meet their daily intake of these high-quality carbohydrates later in the day.