Effect of Early Breakfast Consumption on Anthropometric Measures and Lipid Profile among Overweight and Obese Female Employees: A Two-Phase Interventional Study

Abstract

Background: Breakfast timing has been increasingly recognized as an important factor influencing metabolic health and body weight regulation. However, delayed breakfast consumption and irregular lifestyle behaviors are common among working adults and may contribute to obesity and metabolic disturbances. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess breakfast consumption patterns and lifestyle behaviors among female employees and to evaluate the effect of early breakfast consumption on anthropometric measurements and lipid profile among overweight and obese participants. Methods: A two-phase study was conducted among female employees. Phase I was a cross-sectional study including 100 female participants to assess sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, breakfast habits, and lifestyle behaviors. Phase II was a one-month intervention involving 30 overweight and obese participants from the initial sample who approved to participate in the study. Participants received an educational session promoting early breakfast consumption before 8:00 a.m. Anthropometric measurements and lipid profile parameters, (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides), were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Phase I revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, accompanied by delayed breakfast timing and unfavorable lifestyle behaviors, including physical inactivity, short sleep duration, and irregular meal patterns. Despite most participants reported regular breakfast consumption, the average breakfast time was markedly delayed. Following the intervention, significant reductions were observed in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference and hip circumference (p < 0.01). Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels also decreased significantly (p < 0.001), while HDL-cholesterol remained unchanged. Conclusion: Early breakfast consumption may represent a simple and practical nutritional strategy for improving body composition and lipid profile among overweight and obese women. Incorporating meal timing education into workplace health programs may contribute to obesity prevention and metabolic health improvement.