According to German researchers, the theory that eating a big breakfast provokes people to consume fewer calories throughout the day is a myth.

In a study that may interest those in dietitian jobs, the researchers found that even if they ate a large breakfast in the morning, people still went on to eat a substantial meal for lunch and dinner. This dispels the old wives' tale that eating a hearty breakfast can aid weight loss.

According to BBC News, the scientists behind the research even claimed that reducing, rather than adding to the amount eaten for breakfast would the way to prompt weight loss.

However, healthy eating specialists are slightly concerned this development will discourage Brits from having a well-balanced breakfast. "Missing breakfast may lead you to snack on less healthy foods later on in the morning, and you won't necessarily catch up nutritionally later in the day if you skip [it],"said a representative of the British Dietetic Association.

"Apart from providing you with energy, a healthy breakfast gives you other benefits. Breakfast can provide you with essential nutrients that the body needs, such as fibre, vitamins and iron."

The German research has been published in The Nutrition Journal, reports The Press Association, and was based on a two-week study of just under 400 healthy and overweight people. Although those who ate a larger breakfast did not have a mid-morning snack, over the course of their days, they in fact consumed 400 more calories than their counterparts.