Are you still hungry despite a meal?
Hunger is a physiological signal that the body sends to the brain that it needs food. It is a feeling that occurs when the level of nutrients in the body falls below a certain level and the body needs additional energy to function normally. It is a natural mechanism that warns the body that it is time to eat. It ensures that we maintain a balanced metabolism and functioning of the organism.
And what if that's not the case?
If you still feel hungry after a meal, this may indicate various possible problems or abnormalities in diet, sleep or hormonal balance.
1. Lack of nutrients
One possibility is that you are not consuming enough calories or nutrients between meals. If the food is not nutritious enough or does not contain enough protein, fiber and healthy fats, your body may still feel the need for food to meet its nutrient needs.
You eat too much. Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels2. An overabundant meal
The cause of the feeling of hunger after a meal can lie in consuming food too quickly. If you eat too quickly, your body may not have enough time to register the feeling of fullness, which can lead to feelings of hunger even after eating a meal.
3. Not enough sleep
Lack of sleep can affect hormones that regulate appetite. When you sleep too little, levels of the hormone Ghrelin (a hormone that stimulates hunger) can increase, while levels of the hormone leptin (a hormone that suppresses hunger) can decrease. This can lead to an increased feeling of hunger and a greater desire for food even after eating a meal.
You're not getting enough sleep. Photo: Ketut Subiyanto / Pexels4. Stress
When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can affect your eating habits. Some people turn to food in stressful situations as a form of comfort or as a way to cope with stress, which can lead to increased appetite and feelings of hunger even after a meal.
In addition, stress can also influence choice foods. Some people reach for foods high in sugar or fat when stressed, which can lead to fluctuating blood sugar levels and increased hunger after eating a meal.
