Is your teenager skipping breakfast? Why is that happening and what can you do? As per the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which surveyed adolescent health and well-being found that 1 in 4 students in high school ate breakfast, which means 3 in 4 high school students are not eating their breakfast. This data is as per the 2023 survey.

What Did The Study Intend?

The report describes a 10-year long trend and also recent changes among the two years. The study delved deeper into adolescents' dietary, physical activity and sleep behaviors. The study is also based on a national youth risk behavior survey of a representative sample of students from grade nine to 12.

What Did The Study Find?

The study found that while high school students drank slightly less soda and sports drinks and consumed more water, other healthy eating habits declined. In 2023, only 27% of students ate breakfast every day in the past week. The numbers were even lower for female students, with just 22% eating breakfast daily, compared to 32% of male students. Boys were also more likely to eat fruits and vegetables daily and drink water at least three times a day. Poor mental health and lack of physical activity have also been linked to skipping breakfast.

The other findings included a survey across 10-year period, where a decrease in the percentage of students eating fruits from 65% to 55%, eating vegetables, from 61% to 58%, and having breakfast daily from 38% to 27% was noted.

However, there was a positive trend among this, which was in children drinking plain water at least three times a day, which increased from 49% to 54% from when the survey began in 2015.. There were fewer students who also said that they drank soda in 2023 than in 2013. On an average, in 2013, around 22% students avoided soda, whereas in 2023, 31% students avoided it.

The report also emphasized that a healthy diet, along with daily physical activity and sufficient sleep further contributes to a healthy lifestyle. “The 10-year trends from 2013 to 2023 also show a decline in healthy dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors,” the survey reported.

Why Do High School Students Skip Breakfast?

While there is no one straightforward answer to it, psychologists and those who study children, believe that for many high school going kids, it is the easiest time to skip a meal. This is because they are caught between rushing to school, or not just that hungry in the morning. So for them, to sit down to have a breakfast may seem hassle and something they would have to take time out from their busy schedule. They at this age also prioritize their extra-curricular activities.

There has also been a shift in their circadian rhythm, and most teens cannot fall asleep before 11 pm, or even at midnight. Which means they wake up tired and struggle to do things right in the morning, which is why they choose to skip breakfast or give extra minutes to any other activities.

There is of course another, more popular reason, to lose weight. While experts and studies, like the one published in the Journal of Nutrition that found skipping breakfast leads to higher levels of hunger hormones, the students still feel the need to do this. However, it could lead to a slow metabolism, prompt the body to conserve energy and burn fewer calories, weight gain and deprive yo off the essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D.

Without a morning breakfast, your blood sugar might drop too, which can increase irritability and stress, along with including the risk of depression in teenage.

While India has made progress on several child and maternal health indicators, the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) shows that nearly one in five children in the country suffer from wasting (acute malnutrition).

The survey also found that stunting among children under five declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, but nearly three in every 10 children remain stunted. Meanwhile, 31.8% of children are underweight, while 5.2% continue to suffer from severe wasting, highlighting the country's persistent burden of child undernutrition.

Several states, including most recently West Bengal, continue to debate whether eggs should be included in school mid-day meals, with cultural, ideological, and dietary preferences often influencing decisions that could affect children's nutrition.

The number of states serving eggs under the scheme has also declined over the past decade. In 2025–26, only 13 states provided eggs to schoolchildren, down from 16 states in 2015–16, according to a Moneycontrol report. As a result, just over one-third of states now include eggs in their mid-day meal menus, compared with 44% a decade ago.

Amid the debate, HealthandMe spoke to doctors and nutrition experts, who warned against removing eggs from mid-day meal schemes, and noted that eggs remain one of the most affordable and nutrient-rich foods for growing children.

Eggs: An Ideal Food For Growing Children

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, told HealthandMe that eggs are close to an ideal nutritional choice for growing children because they are readily available, economical, easy to prepare, and safe.

"Besides, children love eggs—many of them prefer this to alternative sources of protein," he said.

He added that “egg protein is excellent not only because it contains all essential amino acids—the building blocks of the body—but also because the body can utilize egg protein efficiently after absorption”.

"Many children get their most nutritious meal from school, and eggs are a good choice to be a part of it," he said.

According to Dr. Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, eggs are among the most affordable and nutrient-dense foods, providing high-quality protein along with essential nutrients such as choline, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and selenium.

"These nutrients are particularly important during childhood, when the brain and body are growing rapidly. For many children who rely on mid-day meals as a significant source of daily nutrition, an egg can bridge critical nutritional gaps and support healthy growth, cognitive development and immunity," he told HealthandMe.

Dr. Singh added that removing eggs from school meals without ensuring an equally nutritious alternative may increase the risk of protein and micronutrient deficiencies, especially among vulnerable populations.

"Investing in children's nutrition is an investment in the nation's future. Policies around school meals should be guided by scientific evidence and nutritional needs, ensuring every child has access to balanced, wholesome food that helps them reach their full potential," he said.

Why Eggs Are Considered A Nutritional Powerhouse

Priyanka Arora, Senior Dietician at SGRH, told HealthandMe that eggs are considered a nutritional powerhouse, offering a highly bioavailable source of complete protein, healthy fats and essential micronutrients.

Key nutritional benefits of eggs:

• Nutritional powerhouse: Eggs provide a highly bioavailable source of complete protein, healthy fats and essential micronutrients.
• High-quality protein: One large egg contains about 6–7 grams of protein and all nine essential amino acids, making it important for muscle growth and repair.
• Supports brain health: Eggs are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a nutrient essential for memory, cognitive function and liver health.
• Promotes eye health: Egg yolks are rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against age-related eye conditions such as cataracts.
• Rich in essential nutrients: Eggs contain vitamins A, D, B12 and riboflavin, along with essential minerals such as selenium, iron and iodine.
• Affordable and versatile: Eggs are among the most budget-friendly sources of high-quality animal protein and can be easily prepared in various ways, including boiled, poached, scrambled or baked.

When it comes to misleading advertisements, Indian packaged snack brands get away with plenty. However, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently flagged down a famous biscuit brand over its claim of healthy ingredients.

Biscuit Brand Under FSSAI Scrutiny Over Misleading Claims

According to a post on X by FSSAI’s official handle, the food authority issued a notice to SAJ Food Products following a consumer complaint regarding misleading claims of healthy ingredients in ‘Eat Fit Digestive Biscuits’.

According to FSSAI, the complaint stated that the product's front label claimed “100% Atta”, while the ingredients list disclosed only 72.33% atta. It also contains other ingredients and additives that are not in compliance with the FSSAI advisory on discontinuing 100% claims.

This comes across as a gross violation, especially as consumers purchase certain food products based on comparatively healthier ingredients.

Apart from misrepresenting the quantity of wheat, the brand also made a “No Added Sugar” claim on its packaging, which was also found to be misleading.

In reality, the biscuits contain equally unhealthy sweeteners like maltodextrin and glucose syrup solids, making them unsuitable for the masses, especially those with diabetes and insulin resistance.

FSSAI Questioned The Product’s Label

Apart from the biscuits’ ingredients, the food safety authority also questioned the brand to explain the product’s name - Eat Fit Digestive. In accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018, the brand is required to produce a scientific justification for using the title.

The manufacturer has been directed to provide an explanation for the aforementioned claims within seven days. Upon failure to do so, the regulatory body will initiate suitable action under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.

When FSSAI Thwarted '100%' Claims

Indian packaged food brands are likely to face stricter scrutiny as, on May 28, 2025, the food regulatory body issued a notice, discontinuing the usage of ‘100%’ claims on packaging.

Deeming the term “ambiguous”, FSSAI said that it did not fit into its definitions according to the FSS Act, 2006.

In the light of the new advisory, FSSAI also issued a notice to at least 15 Indian food brands, including Emami Healthy & Tasty, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B, and Neuherbs.

Emami Healthy & Tasty, the cooking oils arm of the Kolkata-based Emami Group, is the most prominent on the list. FSSAI said its trade name could mislead consumers as well as violate its regulations.

The Healthy Factory's ‘zero maida whole wheat bread’ and ‘zero maida pizza base’ were also questioned by the FSSAI. It said that the brand’s claims violated the applicable regulations of the body.

FSSAI also issued notices to other brands, such as Healthy Master for its tagline, ‘vision to serve healthy’, Healthy Choice's ‘healthy food for healthy life poha’, and Health Aid's brand name seemed to mislead consumers about the nature of the products.

At least 1,450 people have lost their lives after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela last week. According to a missing persons website, nearly 50,000 people are still unaccounted for.

As rescue efforts continue, experts are warning humanitarian teams about hidden medical risks that could complicate emergency care in the affected region.

In a post on X, Jerome Adams, Professor at Purdue University, highlighted a newly identified rare genetic disorder—the mtND4 variant—found in some people of Venezuelan maternal lineage.

According to Adams, the mitochondrial mutation may increase the risk of severe neurological complications or even death following general anesthesia.

“Urgent alert for humanitarian teams responding to Venezuela earthquakes: Two powerful quakes struck a region tied to a newly identified rare genetic disorder in people of Venezuelan maternal lineage. This mitochondrial mutation (mtND4 variant) can cause severe neurologic complications or death after routine general anesthesia - especially sevoflurane.”

Adams, who has been Former IN Health Commissioner and 20th US Surgeon General, said that adults and children of Venezuelan maternal ancestry have been affected by the genetic disorder and that most reported cases involved sevoflurane.\

Suggesting safer alternatives, he said: “Use ketamine or propofol (with caution/monitoring) instead of volatile anesthetics like sevoflurane.” He further advised: “Avoid volatiles when possible until more data. Response coordinators & medical teams - please share widely with anesthesiologists on the ground!”

Also read: New Book Examines Donald Trump's Health, Age Concerns; White House Responds

Anesthesiology Groups Issue Safety Advisory

Earlier this year, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) issued a joint communication advising anesthesiologists to ask patients about possible maternal Venezuelan ancestry before administering anesthesia. The guidance stated that patients with direct maternal Venezuelan lineage should be considered at potential risk.

Why This Genetic Mutation Is A Concern

According to experts, the mtND4 variant found in some Venezuelan populations has been linked to severe reactions following routine general anesthesia. The first known cases were reported in the early 2000s. The mutation is believed to increase the risk of catastrophic neurological complications in affected individuals.

Around 40 cases have been documented worldwide, including six to eight cases in the United States. While most reported cases have involved children, the American Society of Anesthesiologists says the risk is not limited to pediatric patients and may also affect adults.

Dr. Luis Rodriguez, an anesthesiologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami and a fellow of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists, said the first known cases emerged in the early 2000s after several members of a Venezuelan physician's family died following exposure to inhaled anesthesia. The cases occurred on different continents and years apart, Fox13News reported.

For years, similar tragedies were considered isolated and unexplained. However, as medical societies in Chile, Venezuela, Spain, and the US began sharing data, a pattern emerged: the patients were previously healthy and shared Venezuelan maternal ancestry.

Read More: Over 1 Million Children Referred for Mental Health Care in England, Anxiety Most Common Reason

Other Health Risks After The Earthquakes

In addition to the anesthesia-related concern, experts have also warned about mental health challenges, hygiene issues, and the heightened risk of infectious disease outbreaks among survivors.

“Given Venezuela’s weakened public health infrastructure from past earthquakes in the region, I would worry about cholera, typhoid and other enteric bacteria, hepatitis A, measles, vector borne illnesses for those homeless and sleeping outdoors. But cholera would be my big worry,” Prof Peter Hotez, Texas Medical Center (TMC) Professor-Vaccine Scientist-Author wrote on X.

“Venezuela’s damaged infrastructure + displaced populations create perfect conditions for rapid spread. Cholera is also my top concern due to water contamination risks, but typhoid, Hep A, measles, and mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria) are also major threats for those sleeping outdoors. Urgent need for oral cholera vaccine, WASH interventions, and measles catch-up campaigns,” added Aftab Khan, a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician, on X.