The Impact of Skipping Breakfast on Academic Performance in Youths: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Academic performance, assessed through tests and assignments, significantly influences long-term outcomes, such as employment, income, and quality of life. Several recent studies have indicated a relationship between skipping breakfast and academic performance; however, no meta-analysis has been performed to explore this association. In the present study, we conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to synthesize the association between skipping breakfast and academic performance in youths. We perused the literature published before October 2024 using PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Scopus. We calculated a pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using a random effects model. The study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. With regard the quality of the included studies, two articles were considered unsatisfactory, five as satisfactory, sixteen as good, and two as very good. After screening, 24 observational studies with 37 reports were included in the meta-analysis. A positive association was observed between skipping breakfast and the risk of poor academic performance (pooled OR=2.08, 95% CI=1.82-2.37). Subgroup analyses based on gender, region, sample size, assessment tools, definition of outcomes, and confounding variables also revealed that skipping breakfast is positively correlated with poor academic performance in youths. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that skipping breakfast is positively associated with poor academic performance in youths.