What are the reasons for getting hungry quickly?

Nov 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My son is naturally quite overweight, and he eats much more than an average person. Besides three meals a day, he also consumes a lot of snacks. I would like to ask why he generally feels hungry so quickly?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

Frequent hunger can be caused by various factors. The following are some common reasons:

1. Unbalanced diet: If your diet lacks sufficient protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats, which help maintain a prolonged feeling of fullness, you may feel hungry more often. In contrast, consuming excessive amounts of high-sugar or high-carbohydrate foods may cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly and then drop, thereby increasing feelings of hunger.

2. Metabolic issues: Metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism can accelerate the body's metabolism, causing energy to be used up more quickly, which in turn leads to increased hunger.

3. Lifestyle habits: Insufficient sleep, high stress levels, and lack of physical activity can all affect the balance of hormones in the body that regulate appetite and satiety.

4. Inadequate water intake: Sometimes, people mistake dehydration for hunger. Ensuring adequate daily water consumption can help prevent this confusion.

Additionally, maintaining a pleasant mood and avoiding emotional fluctuations can also help reduce feelings of hunger. If frequent hunger persists or is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.