A recent study has found a notable association between skipping breakfast and elevated depressive symptoms among young people—a relationship that sheds new light on how daily routines may influence mental health. The research, conducted with over 3,000 Hong Kong youths and published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, points to subtle yet measurable links between breakfast habits, impulsivity, and mental wellbeing, especially among those aged 15 to 24 (psypost.org).
Dieticians and mental health experts have long emphasized the importance of breakfast, but this study is one of the largest to specifically connect meal-skipping with psychological symptoms in Asian youth. For Thai readers, whose breakfast culture ranges from modest rice porridge to noodle soups and fried treats, these findings highlight the intersection between traditional eating habits and mental health—a subject growing in relevance as lifestyles become busier across Thailand.
The study, led by mental health researchers in Hong Kong, analyzed data from the Hong Kong Youth Epidemiological Study of Mental Health (HK-YES), the first territory-wide household survey focused on individuals aged 15 to 24. Data from 3,154 participants collected from 2019 to 2022 revealed that 85% of young people consumed breakfast either daily or intermittently, whereas 15% consistently skipped the morning meal. Those who skipped breakfast scored higher for impulsivity, particularly in terms of attention and self-control, and reported more severe symptoms of depression and, to a much lesser extent, anxiety.
“Breakfast skipping is associated with elevated depressive symptoms in young people, with impaired attentional control being an important mechanism in this relationship,” concluded the study authors. “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.”
Key findings show that individuals who regularly missed breakfast not only reported higher depressive symptoms but also experienced nearly one extra day per month where their productivity was reduced due to mental health problems. Slightly poorer social and occupational functioning were also observed among breakfast skippers compared to their peers who made time for the morning meal.
Specialists in Thailand, such as a leading nutritionist at Mahidol University, note that these results align with previous regional research that has linked breakfast consumption to cognitive performance and emotional regulation. “In Thai schools, programmes like school breakfast clubs have shown improvements in students’ energy, focus and behavior. This international evidence adds weight to local initiatives aiming to integrate breakfast with mental health support,” shared a Ministry of Public Health official familiar with adolescent health campaigns.
The cultural context is critical: while Western breakfasts are often rich in dairy, grains, and fruit, many Thais continue to start their day with khao tom (rice soup), patongo (fried dough sticks), or tom luad moo (pork blood soup). Urban Thai youth, however, increasingly turn to convenience foods or skip breakfast due to late-night studying or early commutes—a pattern likely to exacerbate vulnerabilities highlighted by the Hong Kong study.
Despite the robust sample size, the researchers acknowledge that the associations between breakfast-skipping and mental health outcomes were “very weak,” becoming apparent only because the sample was so large. The study also exclusively examined Hong Kong residents, who may differ culturally and behaviorally from Thai youth. Therefore, while the results inform general trends, they may not directly translate to the Thai context without further study.
Historical evidence from Thailand supports the value of breakfast: research has found that Thai students who eat breakfast regularly tend to have better school attendance, higher exam scores, and lower rates of reported sadness or fatigue (National Health Examination Survey, Thailand). Yet, fast-paced urbanisation and new technology-driven lifestyles continue to challenge traditional meal routines, especially among teens and young adults in Bangkok and other major cities.
As mental health becomes a growing concern among the Thai youth population, experts warn against overlooking the role of basic lifestyle factors. “Mental health issues have many causes, but the structure and content of daily routines—including breakfast—deserve much greater attention in our prevention and health promotion efforts,” noted an advisor at the Department of Mental Health.
Looking ahead, policymakers and educators considering increased support for student wellbeing should include breakfast programs alongside initiatives for stress management, sleep hygiene, and physical activity. Future research in Thailand should assess whether similar associations between breakfast routines and mental distress appear among Thai youth, considering the country’s diverse culinary and social habits.
For Thai readers seeking actionable advice, mental health experts recommend establishing a regular morning meal routine—even a simple one. Parents, teachers, and employers can play a vital role by modeling healthy eating habits, providing convenient breakfast options at home or school, and allowing adequate time in the mornings. Teens and university students are encouraged to discuss emotional pressures with trusted adults and seek professional guidance for persistent mood or attention problems.
In conclusion, though skipping breakfast may seem trivial, this new research underscores how even small daily habits can have lasting impacts on young people’s emotional resilience and productivity. As Thailand faces rising mental health challenges, preserving the tradition of breakfast may offer a simple yet meaningful buffer against depression—a reminder that caring for the mind often starts with caring for the body.
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