A U.S. study published in the March issue of the journal ‘Pediatrics’ suggested that teenagers who eat breakfast are less likely to become overweight.

The researchers studied the eating habits, weight and other lifestyle issues of 2,216 teens in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area of Minnesota, for five years.

Participants completed thorough studies about their eating habits and also provided data related to their height, weight, body-mass index and physical activity.

The body mass index (BMI) was lower with the regular intake of breakfast, the study mentioned.

Lead researcher, Mark Pereira of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health said, “What we found in the study was that kids who eat breakfast frequently, and especially every day, they're more healthy overall in terms of their lifestyle.”

“It’s interesting to note that the kids who eat breakfast on a daily basis overall have a much better diet and are more physically active,” said Mr. Pereira.

Pereira theorized that regular eaters of breakfast may control their hunger better all through the day. It might also stop food binges at lunch or dinner.

Over one-third of teens aged between 12 to 19 are now overweight or at risk of being overweight, according to the study.