Breakfast has always been said to be the most important meal of the day.

But researchers say it could be even more crucial than previously thought, with those who skip the meal more likely to have an unhealthy lifestyle.

Missing breakfast can be seen as a way of saving time in the morning, or of losing weight.

But the Finnish researchers say those who miss breakfast tend to smoke more, drink more alcohol and take less exercise than those who make time for the meal.

And those who missed the meal were likely to be fatter, possibly because they are more likely to have unhealthy snacks mid-morning to boost their energy levels.

They were also likely to be less well-educated, making it harder for them to get a job.

Researchers asked 5,500 teenagers and their parents if they ate breakfast, and if so, how often. They were also asked about their education, weight and drinking habits. It was found children of parents who skipped breakfast followed their example.

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