Tezzbuzz Desk: Many times, after eating a full meal, one starts feeling hungry again. Some people have the desire to eat something or the other throughout the day. In such a situation, the question arises that why do we feel hungry despite having a full stomach? Is this just a result of eating habits or could it also be a sign of some health problem? According to experts, there can be many reasons behind this, from lack of nutrients in the food to sleep, lack of water and stress. According to Senior Consultant Gastroenterology Dr. Saad Anwar, if there is not enough protein and fiber in the food, then the stomach does not feel full for a long time. Eating only rice, roti, sweets or other carbohydrate items can fill your stomach, but after some time you may feel hungry again. Instead, foods like pulses, cheese, eggs, curd, vegetables, fruits and whole grains make the diet more balanced and help keep the stomach full for longer.
Another common reason is lack of water in the body. Many times people mistake thirst for hunger and instead of drinking water, they start eating something. If you feel like eating something again after eating, then it may be useful to drink water first and wait for a while. However, if you are feeling very thirsty and hungry continuously, then it should not be ignored. Lack of sleep can also be a reason for increased hunger. Less sleep affects the hormones that control appetite in the body. Due to this, a person may have the desire to eat frequently and may increase cravings, especially for sweet or high-calorie foods. Therefore, it is important to get adequate and good quality sleep for good health.
Stress, anxiety and boredom also sometimes create the desire to eat instead of actual hunger. This is called emotional eating. In such a situation, a person may especially desire to eat sweet, fried or favorite food, even if the stomach is full. Therefore, it is important to recognize whether one is actually hungry or one is feeling like eating due to mood and emotions. The speed of eating is also important. Eating too frequently can take time for the brain to signal that it is full. In such a situation, a person does not feel satisfied immediately even after eating more than required. Eating food slowly and chewing it thoroughly can help improve this habit.
When is it necessary to consult a doctor?
If you feel very hungry continuously even after eating a full meal and this is accompanied by rapid weight loss or gain, excessive thirst, frequent urination or feeling of weakness, then it is important to consult a doctor. In some cases, appetite may increase due to disturbances in blood sugar, thyroid related problems or some medicines. Therefore, feeling hungry after every meal does not mean that the body needs more food. Including protein and fiber in a balanced diet, drinking enough water, getting good sleep, and controlling stress can help reduce this problem. If the problem persists or other symptoms appear, it is better to seek expert advice.