“Results of this study suggest that positive interactions with food—such as eating breakfast and having family meals together— could be associated with body image,” Ramseyer Winter, an assistant professor in the University Of Missouri’s School of Social Work and director of the MU Center for Body Image Research and Policy, said in a news release.

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That’s one explanation. But this skeptical reporter also wonders if households in which people sit down for breakfast aren’t just more stable, financially well-off, and closer-knit overall. If parents have not just the desire but the time and financial means to sit down with their kids during the week over breakfast, that certainly sounds like a supportive household with the resources to raise confident, well-adjusted kids. Regardless, this study might be the excuse some families need to schedule a Wednesday-morning pancake party—provided everyone actually gets up, dressed, and packed for school on time.