Skipping Breakfast Can Be Life-Threatening: Survey on Heatstroke Risks for Outdoor and Industrial Workers

In April 2026, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. conducted a heatstroke awareness survey targeting 263 workers aged 20 to 60 in high-temperature environments such as factories and construction sites. The results showed that 133 respondents, roughly half of the group, skip breakfast on some days. Notably, over 30% of this breakfast-skipping group (47 people) reported having experienced heatstroke or similar symptoms—approximately 1.6 times higher than the 29 people who eat breakfast every day.

Dr. Hideki Taniguchi, Director of the Patient Support Center at Saiseikai Yokohama City Eastern Hospital, explained why skipping breakfast is life-threatening. Starting the day without breakfast means beginning in a state of mild dehydration and energy deficit. In hot environments where heavy sweating occurs, this lack of nutrients makes the body's internal balance highly unstable. Insufficient fluid prevents proper temperature regulation, leading to elevated core temperatures. Furthermore, reduced blood circulation limits oxygen and glucose supply to the brain and muscles, causing decreased concentration, slower reflexes, and an increased risk of fatal accidents.

To combat these risks, Dr. Taniguchi recommends the '6 ounce 8 times method,' which involves drinking about 180mL of fluid eight times a day—at wakeup, meals, snacks, and before/after bathing and sleep—to total 1.5 to 2L. Skipping breakfast causes a loss of approximately 400 to 600mL in hydration opportunities. He stresses that a balanced breakfast containing three key components—water for fluid balance, salt (sodium) for electrolytes, and sugar (carbohydrates) for energy—is essential for mitigating heatstroke risks.