How does skipping breakfast affect your metabolism?

Skipping breakfast does not significantly slow your metabolism in the dramatic way many people believe. The old idea that breakfast "kickstarts" your metabolism is largely a myth. Your metabolic rate is primarily determined by your total muscle mass, body composition, age, and genetics, not meal timing alone. That said, skipping breakfast can indirectly affect metabolism by leading to overeating later in the day, causing blood sugar fluctuations, and potentially reducing energy for physical activity. Some research on intermittent fasting suggests that strategically skipping breakfast can actually be metabolically neutral or even beneficial for some people. Individual responses vary, so what matters most is total calorie intake and food quality throughout the day rather than whether you eat breakfast specifically.