Survey study, 2009
Does skipping breakfast affect menstrual cramps and irregular periods?
Yes. Women who skipped breakfast had worse menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and poor general health compared to those who ate breakfast. This was a survey where women reported their own habits, so we can't be sure breakfast directly causes these problems.
What they did
Cross-sectional survey of 315 college students. Researchers divided them into groups based on breakfast habits (eaten or skipped), fast food consumption, and processed food consumption. Participants rated the severity of menstrual cramps on a three-point scale and reported whether their periods were regular or irregular.
What they found
Students who skipped breakfast had high menstrual cramp scores, irregular periods, and reported poor general health. Students who ate fast foods also had high cramp scores. Students who ate processed foods had high cramp scores and poor general health. No clear connection was found between diet and premenstrual symptoms.
What it means for you
Breakfast appeared linked to menstrual symptoms. However, this survey only asked women to recall their eating habits from memory, so we cannot prove breakfast directly causes these problems. Other lifestyle factors might explain the differences. Results were limited to college students and may not apply to other age groups or populations.
315
College students surveyed
3
Dysmenorrhea severity grades
About the study
- Original title
- Skipping breakfast adversely affects menstrual disorders in young college students
- Authors
- Fujiwara T, Sato N, Awaji H et al.
- Journal
- International journal of food sciences and nutrition
- Year
- 2009
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 315
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/09637480802260998
Topics
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