Amy & Aron's

The consequences of unmanaged appetite

If you find yourself frequently eating past your fullness level, this may be a sign that you struggle to manage your appetite. Unfortunately, it can be a starting point for many bad habits that will put your healthy resolution at risk. For instance, you might find yourself overindulging in unhealthy foods, constantly battling cravings, and struggling to maintain a balanced diet. This will inevitably result in weight gain, but there’s more to it. Expect to experience some energy fluctuations and even long-term health issues. As mad as it sounds, managing your appetite could avoid most of these problems.

Yet, it can be tricky. After all, the modern world does a good job at bombarding people with tempting food options around every corner. From fast food joints to vending machines and snack aisles in grocery stores, it seems like modern society is designed to tempt us! So, if you are trying to lose weight, not being able to control your appetite can sabotage your efforts, leading to the infamous yo-yo dieting.

Besides, uncontrolled cravings can also disrupt the natural balance of hunger and fullness cues. You may end up eating not because you need nourishment, but to fill a void, may it be emotional or in your schedule. And let’s not forget about the psychological toll of unmanaged appetite. The constant struggle with cravings and the guilt associated with giving in to them impact your self-esteem and overall mental well-being.

So what can you do to regain control of your relationship with food and manage your appetite in a healthy way?

Being physically active

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and weight management. But it can also play a crucial role in appetite control. Indeed, recent research suggests that physical activity can signal the brain to reduce food cravings. The increased body heat generated during exercise stimulates receptors in the brain responsible for diminishing the desire for food.

Remember, however, that you do not need to become a marathon runner or a gym rat to reap the appetite-suppressing benefits of exercise. Finding activities you enjoy and that elevate your heartbeat and body temperature for a short while is more than enough!

Naturally, physical activity is essential for a multitude of other reasons, starting with getting into shape. It is part of a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle, which contributes to increased energy levels, improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mood, and better overall fitness. Additionally, it can also reduce the risk of chronic health diseases. So, appetite control comes as an additional benefit of maintaining an active lifestyle.




Staying hydrated

Staying hydrated is another essential aspect of appetite management. Often, people tend to confuse thirst with hunger, which can lead to unnecessary snacking. When you are mildly dehydrated, your body may send signals that you can misinterpret as hunger pangs. Believe it or not, this is more common than you think! To avoid this, make it a priority to drink enough water throughout the day, ensuring your hydration needs are met.

Essentially, water is vital for maintaining the body’s overall function. It helps transport nutrients, flush out waste products, regulate body temperature, and support various metabolic processes. The bottom line: Your body needs a lot of water every day. When you’re well-hydrated, your body can function optimally, including signaling hunger and fullness accurately.

If you find it hard to drink enough water every day, perhaps these few tips can make a difference:

• Carry a reusable water bottle and set a goal for daily intake
• Drink a glass of water before each meal, which will help control your appetite
• Flavor your water with fresh fruits and herbs
• In doubt, take a sip of water before reaching out for a snack

Combat leptin resistance

Leptin is one of the hormones that control the appetite, and naturally, it plays a crucial role when it comes to weight management. Unfortunately, you can develop leptin resistance, which is when your body doesn’t respond to the hormone effectively. This can lead to increased hunger and cravings, even though your body has signaled fullness.

Leptin acts as a satiety hormone. It is produced by the body’s fat cells and it is central in regulating hunger and energy balance. It signals to your brain to reduce appetite when you’ve eaten enough. Unfortunately, people with obesity tend to experience leptin resistance, which means the body doesn’t recognize satiety signals anymore.

Recent advancements in appetite management treatment include medications like Semaglutide for weight loss, which has shown promise in stimulating leptin response. Two things to note about using medicated weight loss injections:

Firstly, these are prescribed alongside a full program designed by a specialist. It’s not something you can and should pick up off the counter and use at home.

Secondly, the treatment here focuses primarily on reducing your appetite, which is only indicated for individuals who already struggle with some level of leptin resistance. That being said, the injections are also part of a fully personalized solution that can also provide dieting tips, such as focusing on good carbohydrates and fats for fullness, and a workout routine. In other words, Semaglutide works best in combination with healthy lifestyle choices, such as:

• Regular physical activity, which, as we know, can also contribute to regulating your appetite
• Healthy diet with food choices that promote satiety, like protein, good fats, whole grains, etc.

It goes without saying, effective weight management will never be about ignoring hunger, but also learning to manage the feeling of hunger. Introducing techniques that can help your body manage the appetite signals can transform your approach to weight management. It is time to appreciate that eating too much is never a case of lacking discipline. So, give yourself the tools to gain back control over your cravings.