What are the Consequences of Regularly Skipping Meals?

Regularly being hungry can lead to various health issues such as malnutrition, calcium deficiency, insomnia, gastric problems, and obesity. Therefore, it is not advisable to frequently starve oneself. It is crucial to maintain regular meal times and quantities, especially for those who are trying to lose weight. Otherwise, starving oneself can lead to binge eating, ultimately resulting in failed weight loss efforts.

1. Calcium Deficiency: The body maintains a dynamic balance between calcium intake and loss. Prolonged hunger, especially without calcium supplementation during the night, can lead to the breakdown of bone calcium, resulting in severe calcium loss and osteoporosis in older adults.

2. Insomnia: A full stomach is conducive to better sleep. Sleeping on an empty stomach can make it difficult to fall asleep due to hunger pangs. Even if one manages to fall asleep, hunger can cause stomach rumbling, making it difficult to maintain a restful sleep.

3. Gastrointestinal Issues: The gastrointestinal tract should not remain empty for more than 10 hours. Skipping dinner can leave the stomach and intestines empty for nearly 13 hours from lunch to breakfast the next day. Prolonged exposure to gastric acid can corrode the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to gastric disorders.

4. Malnutrition: The body requires adequate energy and nutrients to maintain normal functions. Frequent skipping of meals can lead to malnutrition over time, which is detrimental to growth and development and can weaken the body.

5. Obesity: Malnutrition can also contribute to obesity. Although obesity is commonly attributed to overnutrition, it can also be a manifestation of malnutrition. Obesity in some individuals may be caused by a lack of certain micronutrients.