The latest findings reveal that overweight adults generally consume around 100 more calories a day than their normal-weight counterparts.
Scientists at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) analyzed dietary intake data obtained from more than 8,500 adults through the USDA's nutritional monitoring system over the years form 1994 to 1996.
The study found that even though some adults skipped breakfast, they compensated for the energy shortfall by eating foods high in fat and sugar, and low in micronutrients, throughout the rest of the day, and particularly at supper.
"Skipping breakfast did not decrease calorie intake; it was instead linked with high odds of being overweight," said the ARS.
According to lead scientist of the study ARS nutritionist Shanthy Bowman, overweight participants, classed as those with a body mass index or BMI of over 25, were generally shown to consume more total fat and saturated fat.
BMI, which is the ration between a person's weight and height, is used as a standard measurement to determine the link between obesity and health risks.
People with a high BMI are at increased risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, gastroesophageal reflux, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and sleep apnea.
The recent study also revealed that simple actions to reduce fat intake were not followed by overweight consumers, such as removing the skin from chicken, or baking meat rather than frying it.
The findings, which appeared in a book entitled 'Body Mass Index: New Research,' published by Nova Science Publishers, add to the mounting evidence that continues to push the need for healthier, more convenient products targeted at all meal times.