Why Do We Feel Hungry Even After Eating ?

By Vanshika Gaur
30 May 2025, 16:30 IST

You might have noticed that many times you feel hungry even after eating food. Wondering why this happens? From blood sugar spikes to eating too quickly, here are a few reasons why you might feel hungry even after having a meal. Tap to know!

Blood Sugar Spikes

When we eat carbohydrates, our body quickly converts it into glucose, causing blood sugar spikes that trigger insulin, signaling the brain needs more food

Lack Of Sleep

Lack of sleep can increase ghrelin (hunger hormone) levels and decrease levels of leptin (satiety hormone), making you feel hungry even after eating.

Imbalanced Diet

Eating a meal that lacks essential nutrients required for the body, especially protein and fibre, can lead to frequent hunger.

High Cortisol Levels

High cortisol levels (stress hormone) can increase appetite, especially cravings for sugary foods, and disrupt blood sugar regulation.

Increased Ghrelin

Increased ghrelin (hunger hormone) can make us feel hungry even after eating food, as the body is unable to produce enough leptin (satiety hormone).

Dehydration

Ghrelin is also responsible for regulating thirst, and sometimes the brain mistakes it for hunger, leading to feeling of hunger even when the body actually needs fluids.

Eating Too Quickly

It takes approximately 15-20 minutes for the stomach to send signals to the brain that we are full. However, eating quickly does not give the brain time to regulate satiety.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, we feel hungry even after eating due to increased ghrelin, lack of sleep, low leptin, and more. It is advisable to consult a dietitian for personalised suggestions.