One factor influencing the Body Mass Index (BMI) of school-aged children is breakfast habits. Breakfast plays a crucial role in meeting energy needs and supporting children's learning activities. Irregular breakfast habits can lead to an imbalance in energy intake, thereby affecting a child's BMI. This study aimed to determine the relationship between breakfast habits and Body Mass Index (BMI) among school-aged children at SD Negeri 1 Balong, Ponorogo Regency.
This study employed a descriptive-correlational design, collecting data from 46 school-aged children (10–12 years old). Data collection involved administering a questionnaire on breakfast habits and measuring body weight and height to determine the children's BMI. The results showed that the majority of respondents (54.3%) had regular breakfast habits and a normal BMI (58.7%). A Chi-Square statistical test was conducted with a significance level of α = 0.05. The test yielded a p-value of 0.005, indicating a significant relationship between breakfast habits and BMI.
The study concludes that there is a relationship between breakfast habits and Body Mass Index (BMI) in school-aged children. Therefore, it is important for parents to encourage the habit of eating breakfast regularly before school, as this plays a role in maintaining nutritional status and supporting the child's growth and learning activities.