Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Nutrition > 12 Reasons Why You Feel Hungry All the Time

12 Reasons Why You Feel Hungry All the Time

Updated on October 29, 2022
7 min read
By Shiza Khan, M.Sc. – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics | Dietitian/Nutritionist

In this article:

  • Reasons You Feel Hungry All the Time
  • What Does Research Say About Why You’re Always Hungry?
  • How to Break the Cycle
  • Final Word

Hunger is a normal physical sensation that all people feel. (1) It alerts you that your body is running low on fuel and needs energy.

reasons why you feel hungry all the time

However, feeling constantly hungry or fatigued even when you have had food is not a good sign. We are not talking about cravings for your favorite dessert or fries – chronic hunger usually means an inability to feel satiated and energized even after a meal. (2)

These symptoms may be due to a health or lifestyle issue. It may be related to a condition known as adrenal fatigue, which can occur due to a combination of factors. (3)

Reasons You Feel Hungry All the Time

Here are a few reasons you may be feeling hungry and tired all the time.

Advertisements

1. Poor sleep

A proper sleep schedule is very important for your health. Not getting enough sleep at night may lead to an imbalance of certain hormones in your body. (4)

Poor sleep can lead to an increase in the hormone ghrelin (which controls appetite) and a decrease in leptin (which causes satiety).

Feeling sleepy may also make you crave more carbs and fatty foods. (5)

2. Dehydration

being dehydrated can be responsible for persistent hunger

Research studies have shown that more than 30% of people are unable to tell hunger and thirst apart. So, if you are feeling hungry all the time, it may be a good idea to drink more water throughout the day. You may be suffering from dehydration and mistaking it for thirst. (6)

3. Stress and depression

Emotional stress can be a major factor in eating disorders. Recent studies have shown that people suffering from depression and anxiety are more likely to experience a phenomenon called “emotional eating” – eating to distract themselves from their feelings. This can be addictive and harmful in the long run. (7)

Stress can also cause an increase in the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the blood. This hormone is responsible for controlling appetite, and fluctuations may leave you feeling hungry throughout the day. (8)(9)

Advertisements

4. Drinking too much alcohol

excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a feeling of persistent hunger

A recent study has shown that alcohol can put your brain in “starvation mode.” It causes an increase in ghrelin (the appetite-controlling hormone that increases the intake of food) and can make you crave calorie-rich food.

Drinking too much is hence linked to constant fatigue and hunger. (10)

5. Overactive thyroid

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in metabolism. Having an overactive thyroid may lead to problems such as the overproduction of hormones. Hence, your metabolism is increased and causes cravings for high-calorie foods.

Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased heart rate, brittle hair and nails, hair loss, and irritation. (11)

6. Diabetes

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can also cause constant hunger. This happens because your body is resistant to insulin; hence, it is unable to convert the food you are eating to energy. This leads to a constant cycle of eating and hyperglycemia.

Consult your doctor and a registered dietitian for a proper diet plan if you have diabetes with chronically high blood sugar levels. (11)

Advertisements

7. Medications

some medications can increase your appetite

Some medicines are known to increase your appetite and result in frequent or larger meal consumption. They are indirect contributors to weight gain.

Antipsychotic medicines, antidepressants, sleeping pills, etc., are known to increase hunger. (12)

8. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or a low blood sugar level, can cause hunger, dizziness, or nausea. It is a dangerous situation and can cause insulin shock at extremely low levels.

People with diabetes on medication or insulin injections are especially prone to developing hypoglycemia if they do not have their meals on time. (13)(11)

9. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Some women experience hunger pangs during PMS. The luteal phase of your cycle may cause a craving for high-calorie foods due to fluctuating hormones. (14)

10. Pregnancy

most pregnant women may feel excessively hungry

It is normal to feel excessively hungry during pregnancy. Most women require more nutrients and calories than usual to ensure the proper nourishment and growth of the child. (15)

11. Parasite infestation

At times, constant hunger can be a sign of a parasitic infection in the gastrointestinal tract. Tapeworms and pinworms are some examples of parasites that can feed off the nutrients you are eating and leave you feeling constantly hungry.

12. Not eating enough protein

Research shows that protein can help suppress ghrelin levels and keep you feeling full for longer. Make sure to get at least 50–60 g of protein every day to ensure your appetite is satiated and you remain energetic for longer. (16)

Advertisements

What Does Research Say About Why You’re Always Hungry?

what the researches have to say about chronic hunger and fatigue?

There have been some prominent research studies on chronic hunger and fatigue. Some recent reports suggest that “large blood sugar dips” after meals may be the reason behind constant hunger. Some people experience a significant drop in their blood sugar a little while after a meal.

There is as of yet no link established between blood sugar dips and other medical conditions in people with chronic hunger. Nevertheless, eating a balanced diet rich in all nutrients is a good way to keep yourself satiated and energetic. (17)

How to Break the Cycle

Here are a few tips to help you control your hunger and derive maximum energy from your food:

  1. Go to bed early and try to get sound sleep at night.
  2. Consume a healthy, balanced diet with the recommended amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc.
  3. Try to limit your intake of sugar and simple carbs.
  4. Exercise and meditate regularly.

Final Word

Chronic hunger may just be a result of some lifestyle choices and eating patterns. However, sometimes it can be due to medical conditions or some medication you are taking.

Advertisements

Try to sleep 8 hours at night, eat mindfully on time, drink lots of water, and meditate to keep stress at bay. If your symptoms do not subside even after implementing all these, consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

References
  1. Hunger. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org/hunger/en/.
  2. Physiology, obesity neurohormonal appetite and satiety … – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555906/.
  3. Adrenal insufficiency – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441832/.
  4. Kim TW, Jeong J-H, Hong S-C. The impact of sleep and circadian disturbance on hormones and metabolism. International journal of endocrinology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4377487/. Published 2015.
  5. Mosavat M, Mirsanjari M, Arabiat D, Smyth A, Whitehead L. The Role of Sleep Curtailment on Leptin Levels in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus. Obes Facts. 2021;14(2):214-221. doi:10.1159/000514095.
  6. Mattes RD. Hunger and thirst: issues in measurement and prediction of eating and drinking. Physiol Behav. 2010;100(1):22-32. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2009.12.026.
  7. Yau YH, Potenza MN. Stress and eating behaviors. Minerva Endocrinol. 2013;38(3):255-267.
  8. Sander J, Moessner M, Bauer S. Depression, Anxiety and Eating Disorder-Related Impairment: Moderators in Female Adolescents and Young Adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(5):2779. Published 2021 Mar 9. doi:10.3390/ijerph18052779.
  9. Wijnant K, Klosowska J, Braet C, et al. Stress Responsiveness and Emotional Eating Depend on Youngsters’ Chronic Stress Level and Overweight. Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3654. Published 2021 Oct 19. doi:10.3390/nu13103654.
  10. Cains S, Blomeley C, Kollo M, Rácz R, Burdakov D. Agrp neuron activity is required for alcohol-induced overeating. Nature News. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms14014. Published January 10, 2017.
  11. Hardy K. Polyphagia is the medical term used to describe excessive hunger or increased appetite and is one of the 3 main symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/symptoms/polyphagia.html. Published September 8, 2022.
  12. Ciriaco M, Ventrice P, Russo G, et al. Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S94-S98. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.120975.
  13. Physiology, glucose – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545201/.
  14. Kwan I, Onwude JL. Premenstrual syndrome. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0806. Published 2015 Aug 25.
  15. Kominiarek MA, Peaceman AM. Gestational weight gain. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;217(6):642-651. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.05.040.
  16. Missimer A, DiMarco DM, Andersen CJ, Murillo AG, Vergara-Jimenez M, Fernandez ML. Consuming Two Eggs per Day, as Compared to an Oatmeal Breakfast, Decreases Plasma Ghrelin while Maintaining the LDL/HDL Ratio. Nutrients. 2017;9(2):89. Published 2017 Jan 29. doi:10.3390/nu9020089.
  17. Wyatt P, Berry SE, Finlayson G, et al. Postprandial glycaemic dips predict appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals [published correction appears in Nat Metab. 2021 Jul;3(7):1032]. Nat Metab. 2021;3(4):523-529. doi:10.1038/s42255-021-00383-x.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements

You Might Also Like

Nutrition

8 Reasons Why You Should Limit Drinking Cumin Water

By Shiza Khan, M.Sc. – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Read more

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health
  • Web Stories

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health
  • Web Stories

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.