What happens to your body if you miss a meal

We all know that life can get busy, and sometimes, we may miss a meal now and then. While it might seem harmless, missing a meal can have various effects on your body—some of which may surprise you. It’s important to understand what happens when you don’t eat and how it can impact your overall health, from your energy levels to long-term disease risks.

The good

Inflammation settles

If you suffer from arthritis, heart disease or another major health condition caused by chronic inflammation a period of fasting has been found to boost the damage-repairing adaptations in your cells. A review published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that there are some health benefits to skipping the occasional meal if you are looking to lower your inflammation.

More calories get burnt

While it is largely dependent on what the rest of your diet is like if you like to rise early and get out and exercise, it could be more beneficial for you to do so before your first meal. A study published by the British Journal of Nutrition revealed that you can burn up to 20 per cent more fat if you sweat it out on an empty stomach.

The bad

Nutrient deficiencies

Missing meals can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which may result in fatigue, making it harder to function mentally. To ensure you are on the right path it could be in your best interest to talk to your healthcare professional or a dietitian to make sure you get the right amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.

Disease could develop

According to a study out of the Harvard School of Public Health, if you regularly skip breakfast your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes increase, as does your risk of heart disease.

Exercise goes out the window

Exercise is an important part of maintaining your health and wellbeing, but if you start missing meals you might lose the motivation all together. (Yes, this is the negative to that positive from earlier.) If your blood sugar drops and you combine it with the daily stresses of your life you might just want to flake on the couch at the end of your day.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.