Media Coverage: Dr Asiya Maula Warns Popular ‘Healthy’ Breakfast Foods May Impact Weight and Ageing

Many breakfast foods promoted as healthy could be contributing to blood sugar spikes, inflammation and metabolic stress, according to Dr Asiya Maula, private GP at The Health Suite.

In recent media coverage, Dr Maula highlighted how certain breakfast staples often marketed as nutritious may not always support long-term health and healthy ageing.

“People often assume that if a food is considered healthy, it will automatically support longevity. But how your body responds to that food on a daily basis is what really matters when it comes to ageing well.”

Granola and ‘Healthy’ Cereals

Granola is frequently perceived as a wholesome breakfast option, but many products contain high amounts of sugar from ingredients such as honey, syrups and dried fruit.

Dr Maula warns that regular blood sugar spikes can have long-term consequences.

“Frequent blood sugar spikes can contribute to inflammation and energy crashes over time. This can impact metabolic health, which is closely linked to how the body ages.”

She recommends lower-sugar alternatives such as plain oats, eggs or natural yoghurt with fresh fruit for more stable energy levels.

Fruit Juices and Smoothies

While fruit juices and smoothies are often associated with healthy eating, Dr Maula explains that removing or breaking down fibre can significantly change how the body processes sugar.

“When sugars are absorbed quickly, it can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar and increased hunger later on. Over time, this pattern may contribute to processes associated with ageing.”

Choosing whole fruits instead can help support healthier blood sugar control and improved metabolic balance.

Low-Fat Yoghurts

Dr Maula also highlighted that many low-fat yoghurts contain added sugars and ingredients to compensate for the removal of fat.

“Removing fat often leads to products being reformulated with extra sugars or additives. That can affect satiety and metabolic balance in ways people don’t expect.”

Natural or full-fat yoghurts with no added sugar may help people feel fuller for longer while supporting more consistent energy levels.

Supporting Healthy Ageing Through Smarter Food Choices

Rather than focusing on restrictive diets, Dr Maula encourages people to understand how foods affect the body and to make simple swaps that support metabolic health.

Her message is clear: healthy ageing is influenced not only by what foods are labelled as healthy, but by how they impact blood sugar regulation, inflammation and long-term wellbeing.

Read the complete article: “The three ‘healthy’ breakfast foods that could be piling on the pounds – and even speeding up ageing, according to a doctor” in Daily Mail.