Late Breakfast Linked to Higher Mortality Risk in Big Study

A European Journal of Clinical Nutrition study of over 31,000 adults aged 40+ found that starting the first meal after noon is linked to higher death risk: 29% more all-cause mortality for noon-or-later breakfasts versus 7–8 a.m.; 8–10 a.m. (+10%) and 10 a.m.–noon (+19%) also show increased risk. Cardiovascular death was 46% higher for noon eaters versus early breakfast eaters, and those aged 50+ who ate later had about 2.5 fewer years of life on average. The findings show association, not causation, but suggest meal timing may influence longevity beyond diet itself.