Picture this: it is 2 p.m. on a Monday afternoon. After spending hours in classes all morning, you finally get back home, exhausted.
You realize that all you have consumed today is a 32-ounce iced coffee and your daily multivitamin, but you can’t seem to bring yourself to want to eat anything substantial.
As the university dives deeper into the spring semester, students need to remember to stay mindful of their stress levels, including noticing sleep habits, coping habits, and eating habits.
Our bodies react to stress in different ways, with some experiencing increased cravings for foods that are high in sugar and fat, and others experiencing a complete loss of appetite for long periods of time.
During periods of stress, the body’s ability to send hunger signals may be shut down. The hypothalamus releases a hormone that suppresses appetite, as well as epinephrine, the stress hormone, which triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response.
According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, 15% of Gen-X have reported skipping meals to manage stress, and 33% reported skipping a meal in the past month because of stress.
While it may not be obvious, eating habits play a big role in several principal bodily functions. Not only do irregular eating patterns negatively affect mood and energy levels, but they have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing sleep disorders, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, according to an article published in the National Library of Medicine.
Along with the adverse physical effects of skipping meals, not consuming enough food can also hinder students’ cognitive abilities, leading to negative academic outcomes.
A study done by the University of Louisville reported that skipping meals leads to a slower metabolism, burning less calories throughout the day, weight gain, and a lack of energy that leads to feelings of sluggishness, headaches, and shakiness.
Moreover, skipping meals can lead to the development of nutritional deficiencies. In a 2017 study published by UMass Medical School, it was found that students who skipped breakfast had lower levels of b vitamins than students who did not skip the meal.
The development of eating disorders is also increased when individuals start to skip meals. Disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder are more likely to see an onset after making meal-skipping a habit.
In order to keep our bodies running as efficiently and as healthily as possible, students should be conscious of their daily food intake and eating patterns. Listening to your body’s hunger cues is among the first steps of regulating eating patterns throughout the day.
Being sure to eat nutrient-rich, filling meals or snacks when your body tells you that it is time to eat is a surefire way to maintain energy levels throughout the day, will enhance your ability to focus, and will leave you feeling better than skipping meals will.
If you are worried about yourself or someone you know regarding food insecurity or eating dysregulation, the university has several programs in place to help. Please contact the UW Food Security Taskforce or Student Health regarding any concerns you may have.
