Why does eating less lead to better mental well-being?
Nov 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
In general, feeling more energetic despite eating less may be caused by reduced gastrointestinal burden, stabilized blood glucose fluctuations, hyperthyroidism, early-stage diabetes, duodenal ulcers, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, one should develop regular eating habits and avoid excessive dieting or binge eating.
Generally, feeling more energetic despite eating less may be caused by reduced gastrointestinal burden, stabilized blood sugar fluctuations, hyperthyroidism, early-stage diabetes, duodenal ulcers, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Reduced gastrointestinal burden: Overeating keeps the gastrointestinal tract in a state of prolonged high-intensity activity, consuming bodily energy. Eating less allows the digestive system to relax, redirecting more energy to the brain and body. Maintaining a habit of eating until 70–80% full, ensuring adequate protein and vegetable intake per meal, and avoiding high-fat and high-sugar foods are recommended.
2. Stabilized blood sugar fluctuations: A high-carbohydrate diet can lead to rapid spikes and drops in blood glucose, causing fatigue. Eating smaller portions with balanced nutrition helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Combine staple foods with whole grains and legumes, control eating speed, and avoid excessive intake of refined sugars at one time.
3. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates metabolism, leading to decreased appetite but increased energy, often accompanied by sweating and palpitations. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets to regulate hormone levels.
4. Early-stage diabetes: Decreased insulin sensitivity impairs the body’s ability to effectively utilize glucose, often resulting in hunger sensations and post-meal fatigue. Some individuals may feel more alert after eating small amounts. Medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, gliclazide sustained-release tablets, or empagliflozin tablets should be taken as prescribed to control blood glucose.
5. Duodenal ulcer: Gastric acid irritates the ulcer surface during fasting, causing discomfort; small meals may temporarily relieve symptoms. However, the disease itself can cause metabolic disturbances, creating a false sense of heightened alertness. Treatment may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, bismuth potassium citrate capsules, and amoxicillin capsules as directed by a physician. In severe cases, partial gastrectomy may be performed to remove diseased tissue and reduce gastric acid secretion.
In daily life, it is important to develop regular eating habits and avoid extreme dieting or binge eating. Maintain a balanced diet combining refined and whole foods with adequate nutrition, and incorporate moderate exercise to enhance metabolic function and support overall physical and mental well-being.
