Abstract
BACKGROUND: We examined the association of breakfast habits with hypertension and obesity risk among Korean adults and older adults, focusing on sex-based and age-based differences. METHODS: We collected data from 2,779 adults (1,380 men and 1,399 women, aged 19-64 years) and 623 older adults (289 men and 334 women, aged ≥65 years) from the 2015 Korea National Physical Fitness Project, an extensive survey organized biennially by the Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Institute of Sport Science. RESULTS: For women aged 19 to 64 yr, skipping breakfast was linked to an increased likelihood of developing both high blood pressure and obesity. For men aged 19-64 years, having breakfast irregularly or replacing it with snacks were linked to a reduced likelihood of hypertension, whereas skipping breakfast slightly elevated the risk. For older women aged above 65 years, irregular breakfast consumption or replacing it with snacks was linked to a heightened likelihood of developing hypertension. Nonetheless, there was no notable correlation identified between breakfast habits and obesity in men and older adults. In older men and women, consistent physical exercise proved to be an essential factor in mitigating the chance of hypertension. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the importance of sex- and age-specific public health strategies, with implications for public health interventions and guidelines that promote regular breakfast consumption and physical activity.