Egg for brekkie 'better than wheat for weight loss'

Eating eggs for breakfast is more effective at preventing hunger for overweight people than having cereal, according to new research.

The study, funded by the American Egg Board, found that the consumption of eggs reduced hunger and boosted hormones that made people feel full.

A group of 20 people were split in two, with half given an egg breakfast and half given a cereal breakfast. Three hours later they were given lunch to test their hunger.

Dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “This study adds to a growing evidence base which suggests that eggs may indeed be nature’s appetite suppressant.

“Previous studies have found that eating eggs at breakfast or at lunch reduces feelings of hunger and helps people to eat fewer calories at a later meal.

“The new research provides information on hormone levels for the first time, showing that consumption of eggs boosts PYY, a potent satiety hormone, while reducing levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

“The high protein level of eggs, combined with their low fat content, means that eggs are a great choice for those trying to manage their weight.”

The study was carried out at the Pennington Biomedical Research Centre in Louisiana, USA.

Meanwhile at the European Congress on Obesity, research was also presented which indicates the size of a person's waist is the best guideline for life expectancy.

New research recommends keeping stomach circumference under half of a person's height.

The study found waist-to-height ratio is a better predictor of risks such as type 2 diabetes than body-mass index.

Head of actural science from Cass Business School Dr Ben Rickayzen said a person with a waist circumference equal to 80% of their height could risk shortening their lifespan by 20 years.

"I think anyone with a waist circumference that large should be thinking quite seriously about changing their lifestyle to bring the weight down," he said.