Appetite Changes

Changes in appetite are frequent during stressful periods. When you are anxious, you may find yourself having no appetite or raiding the refrigerator in the middle of the night. According to one research of college students, 81% reported changes in appetite when they were stressed. 62% reported an increase in appetite, while 38% reported a reduction. Stress was linked to behaviors such as eating without being hungry in a study of 129 adults.

During stressful times, these variations in appetite may also induce weight swings. A research of 1,355 persons, for example, discovered that stress was connected with weight growth among overweight adults. While these studies demonstrate a link between stress and changes in appetite or weight, additional research is needed to determine whether other variables are at play. Other factors that may contribute to appetite fluctuations include the use of certain medicines or treatments, hormonal alterations, and psychological problems.