Emma Miller
At night and during sleep, the levels of certain hormones in your body fluctuate. We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But just because it’s a popular saying doesn’t mean you feel hungry in the morning. Although in some cases, not feeling hungry in the morning can be a sign of a serious problem, it is most likely completely normal and not a cause for concern.
Here are 6 possible reasons why you may not feel hungry in the morning.
You ate a big dinner or had a late-night snack
One of the main reasons why you may not feel hungry when you wake up is because you had a big dinner or snack the night before. This can be especially true if you ate a meal high in fat or protein. These macronutrients can slow down stomach emptying and keep you feeling fuller for longer – even until the next morning.
In particular, protein can also significantly alter the levels of hormones that regulate hunger and appetite, including ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin. Likewise, foods high in fat can alter the levels of certain hormones associated with appetite and satiety, leading to a decrease in hunger.
If you prefer to have a big dinner and skip or postpone breakfast until the next morning, that’s perfectly fine as long as you get the nutrients and water you need throughout the day.
Hormone levels change immediately
At night and during sleep, the levels of some hormones in your body fluctuate. This can change your appetite. In particular, research shows that adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, usually increases in the morning.
This hormone is believed to suppress appetite by slowing the rate at which your stomach empties and increasing the breakdown of carbohydrates stored in your liver and muscles to fuel your body. What’s more, one study found that levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, were lower in the morning than the night before. This may also explain why you feel less hungry when you wake up.
Finally, some research suggests that levels of leptin, the hormone that makes you feel full, may also be higher in the morning. However, the studies have produced mixed results. Please note that these daily hormone fluctuations are completely natural and usually not a cause for concern. However, if you experience sudden or drastic changes in hunger or appetite, consider talking to your doctor.
You feel anxious or depressed
Both anxiety and depression can have a significant impact on your hunger levels. In addition to symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and loss of interest, depression can cause changes in appetite. Meanwhile, anxiety can increase levels of certain stress hormones that reduce appetite.
However, anxiety and depression affect people differently. Some studies have shown that these conditions are instead associated with increased appetite and food intake in some people. If you are experiencing anxiety or depression and suspect that it may be affecting your appetite or other aspects of your health, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.
You are pregnant
Morning sickness is a common problem characterized by nausea and vomiting. It affects about 80% of people during pregnancy. Although morning sickness can affect you at any time of the day, it often occurs in the morning – hence its name. In most cases, it improves or disappears after 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Morning sickness can reduce your appetite. In fact, in one study of 2,270 pregnant women, 34% reported eating less in early pregnancy. In addition to morning sickness, pregnancy can cause other symptoms that reduce hunger, such as indigestion, bloating, and delayed gastric emptying.
Keeping hydrated, eating small meals, trying certain recipes, getting adequate sleep, and having good ventilation at home to avoid nausea-inducing odors are all strategies that can reduce symptoms and improve appetite.
You are sick
Illness often causes a decrease in appetite and hunger. In particular, respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and pneumonia are known to make you feel less hungry. In some cases, these infections also limit your senses of taste and smell, which can reduce your appetite.
Some infections, such as the flu, can also cause symptoms that reduce hunger and appetite, including nausea and vomiting. Keep in mind that it’s especially important to stay hydrated and nourish your body when you’re sick, even if you don’t feel hungry. Soup, hot tea, bananas, crackers, and applesauce are some easy meals to try when you’re not feeling well.
Other underlying causes
In addition to the most common factors listed above, there are several other possible reasons why you may not feel hungry when you wake up.
Here are a few more potential reasons for less hunger in the morning:
- You are taking certain medications. Many types of medications, including diuretics and antibiotics, can reduce hunger and appetite.
- You are getting older. Decreased appetite is common in older adults and can be caused by changes in energy needs, hormones, taste or smell, and social circumstances.
- You have thyroid problems. Loss of appetite can be a sign of hypothyroidism or decreased thyroid function.
- You are ovulating. Estrogen, a female sex hormone that increases during ovulation, can suppress appetite.
- You have a chronic medical condition. Certain conditions, such as liver disease, heart failure, kidney disease, HIV, and cancer, can cause loss of appetite.
- If you suspect that an underlying medical condition may be contributing to your lack of hunger in the morning, consult your doctor.
