In this video, unlearn the myth that being hungry is a positive sign for weight loss goals and why it actually can make weight management more difficult.
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on November 30, 2023
Losing weight requires calorie consciousness, but you should never restrict to the point of feeling starving between meals. Blood glucose levels naturally dip a couple hours after a meal. Glucose is essential for fuel, especially for the brain and red blood cells, so if you don’t have enough, the body then turns to glycogen from the liver for energy. When that supply runs low, the body is going to want more food — fast.
When you’re in diet mode, it’s tempting to feel a rumbling tummy and take it as positive feedback for your dieting efforts, but feeling hungry is not a sign of being a “good dieter.” You might actually be taking your calorie-cutting efforts too far and sabotage your weight-loss goal in the process.
References
Berg, J., et al. (2019). Biochemistry [book on the Internet]. 5th ed. W. H. Freeman; Chapter 30.3: Food intake and starvation induce metabolic changes.
Montesi, L., et al. (2016). Long-term weight loss maintenance for obesity: a multidisciplinary approach. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity;9:37-46.
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Raynor, H., et al. (2011). Dietary energy density and successful weight loss maintenance. Eating Behaviors; 12(2):119-25.
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