What happens to your body when you skip meals?

However, according to Mr. Bhumesh Tyagi, a general practitioner in India, skipping meals can cause many silent but serious physiological disorders, affecting both physical and mental health.

Instead of fasting, maintaining a regular, nutritious eating habit is an important foundation to maintain energy, optimism and stable health, according to Onlymyhealth (India) health site.

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The body reacts strongly when not provided with energy.

The human body runs on a steady supply of energy, primarily from glucose in food. When you skip meals, this fuel supply is disrupted, leading to a number of negative consequences in the short term.

After a few hours without eating, blood sugar levels begin to drop. To maintain balance, the body will mobilize glycogen (a form of sugar stored in the liver and muscles) to temporarily compensate for the shortage.

However, the brain is very sensitive to these changes. When glucose levels drop, the brain sends out warning signals through symptoms such as hunger, irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and fatigue. This is the brain's way of calling for more fuel.

Lack of energy also causes the body to quickly fall into a state of lethargy, reduces work performance and weakens both physical and mental strength.

Long-term micronutrient deficiencies are also the cause of many chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, anemia and immunodeficiency.

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Effects on metabolism and nutrition

The human body has the ability to adapt to starvation by adjusting its metabolic rate.

When the body senses that it is not getting a steady supply of food, it goes into energy-saving mode by burning fewer calories at rest, making it more difficult to control weight in the long run.

More worryingly, when glucose is lacking, the body tends to use muscle as an alternative energy source. This process leads to loss of muscle mass.

Skipping meals regularly means your body is not getting enough vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Chronic nutritional deficiencies can affect your immune system, bone and joint health, mood, concentration, and overall energy levels.

Affects mood

Besides the physiological effects, not eating enough meals also strongly affects the psychology and digestive system.

When blood sugar fluctuates erratically, the body produces less serotonin and other neurotransmitters, making dieters more likely to become irritable, anxious, and lose emotional control.

After skipping a meal, when eating again, the body tends to take in large amounts of foods rich in fat and sugar to compensate. This can easily lead to overeating, causing bloating, indigestion, weight gain and forming unhealthy eating habits.

Skipping meals regularly also disrupts the body's digestive circadian rhythm. People who have a habit of fasting are prone to bloating, constipation or excess stomach acid, increasing the risk of digestive diseases such as stomach ulcers or acid reflux.