When you’re hungry, do you sometimes not want to eat? There are times when you might not feel like eating, even though it’s time for a meal.
This story explains five reasons why you might not feel hungry.
- Stress
Stress can make you feel worried and not hungry. It’s like your body is too busy dealing with stress to think about food. When you’re very stressed, a hormone called cortisol makes you less hungry.
- Not Enough Water
Sometimes, when you’re not drinking enough water and your body needs it, you might feel like you don’t want to eat. Your body might confuse thirst with not being hungry.
- Medicine
Some medicines, like ones for when you’re sick or feeling down, can make you not feel hungry. They can change the way you taste things or make you feel full.
- Eating Healthy
Eating good foods that have a lot of nutrients can help you not feel hungry. Foods with fiber, healthy fats, and protein can keep your hunger in check. Whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables are good choices.
- Sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, it can mess up how your body knows if you’re hungry or full. Your body makes hormones that tell you when to eat (ghrelin) and when to stop (leptin). Not enough sleep can make the “eat” hormone go up and the “stop” hormone go down.
Hunger is a mix of how your body works and how you feel in your mind. These reasons can sometimes make you not want to eat. But it’s okay – our bodies do this sometimes. If you’re worried or it happens a lot, talk to a doctor. Listen to your body, drink water, handle stress, and choose good foods to keep your hunger in balance with how you’re feeling.
