Eating Breakfast Early Could Help You Live Longer – Surprising Study

Eating Breakfast Early Could Help You Live Longer – Surprising Study

Just a few extra minutes of sleep? It seems harmless, but it can actually affect your health as you age. A new study from the University of Manchester shows that the timing of breakfast may influence lifespan and health risks.

Late Breakfast = A Warning Sign?

On average, breakfast shifts about three minutes later per decade of life. People with health issues—ranging from depression to fatigue—tended to eat later and in narrower time windows. Genetic “night owls” also tended to eat later, while a genetic predisposition for obesity had no clear effect on meal timing.

Early to Eat, Longer to Live

Every hour of delay in breakfast increased mortality risk by 8%. After ten years, 89.5% of early eaters were still alive, compared to just 86.7% of late eaters. Bottom line: it’s not only what you eat but also when you eat. A slightly earlier start to your day could help you stay healthier longer.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported meal times and focused on older adults in the UK. Snacks, nutrient composition, and physical activity weren’t included. Still, the research shows clear trends and offers valuable insight into how breakfast timing affects health and aging.