Always feeling hungry—could it be due to lack of fats? What's the cause and what should I do?
Apr 03, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, constantly feeling hungry and lacking satiety may be caused by factors such as insufficient calorie intake, irregular eating habits, gastritis, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes. Patients should receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. In daily life, they should maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate rest, and avoid overexertion. If symptoms are severe, prompt medical attention at a local hospital is necessary.
Generally, constantly feeling hungry and lacking sufficient dietary fat may be caused by factors such as inadequate calorie intake, irregular eating habits, gastroenteritis, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:
1. Inadequate Calorie Intake
Constantly feeling hungry and lacking fat may result from consuming meals with low caloric content. The body's energy comes from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. If fat intake is insufficient, the amount of energy derived from fats will significantly decrease. In daily life, patients should eat regularly, maintain three balanced meals per day at consistent times and fixed quantities, and include an appropriate amount of protein-rich foods in each meal.
2. Irregular Eating Habits
If mealtimes are irregular or meals are frequently skipped, hunger may occur, especially during certain periods of the day. Maintaining regular meal times and incorporating three main meals along with moderate snacks can help regulate appetite.
3. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis may result from irregular eating patterns and can cause nausea and discomfort. Patients should follow a light diet in daily life, maintain regular three-meal routines with fixed portions, and avoid overeating. Individuals with severe symptoms should seek medical evaluation at a hospital and, under a doctor’s guidance, take medications such as rabeprazole tablets and famotidine tablets for treatment.
4. Hyperthyroidism
If patients frequently consume high-iodine foods, it may lead to excessive thyroid hormone production, resulting in an accelerated metabolism and increased energy expenditure, thereby causing frequent hunger. It is recommended that patients use medications such as carbimazole tablets and metoprolol tartrate tablets under medical supervision, while also adjusting their dietary structure.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects blood glucose levels in the body. When diabetes is present, patients often experience a state of high blood sugar; however, the body may still perceive an energy deficit, leading to persistent feelings of hunger. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as insulin glargine injection or insulin aspart injection for treatment.
In daily life, patients should maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate rest, and avoid fatigue. If symptoms are severe, prompt medical treatment at a local hospital is necessary.
