Health experts have warned that children who eat only one meal a day are at serious risk of poor brain development, weak immunity, stunted growth, and low school performance.
Paediatricians said that while adults might survive on a single balanced meal, children cannot because their bodies and brains are still growing and need regular, nutritious meals.
Professor Ben Onankpa, a child health specialist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, explained that eating once a day can cause severe malnutrition in children.
“A child who eats once daily has the possibility of severe malnutrition. This leads to poor growth and poor learning in school. Malnutrition early in life affects the child’s potential in ways that remain visible, even into adulthood,” Onankpa said.
He added that malnutrition in early life increases the risk of long-term health problems such as diabetes, poor immunity, and small body size.
“Even if a malnourished child grows up to become successful, the effects will still be there,” he warned.
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Onankpa advised parents to ensure their children eat three main meals and healthy snacks each day.
“From around one year, children should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, together with healthy snacks,” he said.
Another paediatrician, Dr. Olufemi Akodu, said that feeding children just once a day can cause fatigue, low energy, poor concentration, and weak immune systems.
“Children need proper nutrition for growth and development. Eating once a day can lead to malnutrition and deficiencies,” Akodu said.
He explained that infants need to be fed several times a day, while older children and teenagers should have three meals and up to two snacks daily.
“Each stage of a child’s growth requires the right kind of nutrients to build strength and support learning,” he added.
Dr. Akodu also urged parents to play an active role in building healthy eating habits.
“Parents should lead by example and make mealtimes enjoyable and structured,” he advised.
He encouraged families to provide fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins while avoiding sugary drinks and junk food.
“Be patient and consistent. Healthy eating habits take time to build,” he said.
The Paediatric Association of Nigeria recently reported that over 11 million Nigerian children live in food poverty, while more than two million are malnourished.
Experts warn that the worsening economic hardship, high food prices, and low incomes are forcing many households to skip meals or feed children less often, putting millions at risk of poor growth and lifelong health challenges.