Why do I feel hungry shortly after having dinner?

Feeling hungry shortly after dinner may be caused by factors such as insufficient food intake, fast metabolism, gastrointestinal dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, among others. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, and receive targeted general and pharmacological treatments under the guidance of a physician. Details are as follows:

1. Insufficient Food Intake

If the amount of food consumed at dinner is inadequate, the body cannot obtain sufficient energy and nutrients, leading to quick feelings of hunger. Additionally, insufficient food intake can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, further triggering hunger. It is advisable to have a balanced dinner with staple foods, proteins, vegetables, and fruits to increase satiety, prolong the feeling of fullness, and reduce hunger. Including healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and yogurt between meals can also help delay hunger.

2. Fast Metabolism

Individual metabolic rates vary significantly, influenced by factors like basal metabolic rate, physical activity, muscle mass, and body temperature. This can lead to relatively higher energy consumption, making the body prone to feeling hungry shortly after dinner. Consider adopting a small and frequent eating pattern, dividing daily food intake into 5-6 meals with small but nutrient-dense portions. Increasing intake of protein- and fiber-rich foods like lean meat, eggs, and green vegetables can also help delay hunger, as they require more energy to digest.

3. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Gastrointestinal dysfunction may cause hunger soon after eating. Reduced gastric acid secretion or slowed gastrointestinal motility can shorten food retention time in the stomach, affecting the duration of satiety. Avoid excessive intake of greasy and spicy foods, and consume easily digestible foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in small, frequent meals. Avoid overeating at large meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation and alleviate the burden on the digestive system.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone secretion. These hormones accelerate metabolism, leading to faster energy consumption and subsequent hunger. Follow doctor's instructions to use thyroid inhibitors such as Thiamazole Tablets, Propylthiouracil Tablets, and Carbimazole Tablets to control thyroid hormone secretion and alleviate hunger.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by insufficient insulin secretion or weakened cellular response to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. When the body cannot efficiently utilize blood sugar, hunger sensations may arise. Follow doctor's recommendations for oral hypoglycemic medications like Metformin Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Tablets, Phenformin Hydrochloride Tablets, and Glibenclamide Tablets to control blood sugar levels and reduce hunger.

Additionally, it could be caused by gastric ulcers. Maintaining regular meal times, avoiding prolonged fasting or overeating, and selecting protein- and fiber-rich foods like lean meat, fish, soybeans, and oats can provide longer-lasting satiety and delay gastric emptying.