We are always told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many people struggle with a lack of appetite in the morning. If this happens to you too, this may be an indicator that you should be careful.
According to the "Association of UK Dietitians", only two-thirds of Britons eat breakfast and the rest simply avoid it as a meal. It's not unusual to not want to eat when you first wake up, especially since morning hunger levels vary depending on many factors, from hormone levels to how much food you ate the night before.
"People who tend to eat later in the day often consume a much lighter or later breakfast. Especially if it's a high-protein or high-fat meal, as these macronutrients can slow the emptying of food from the stomach, keeping you fuller for longer," says nutritionist Natalie Burrows.
But what other reasons can cause lack of appetite in the morning?
-Chronic stress
The main reason experts believe it affects this is precisely stress. "Waking up without an appetite can be an indicator of high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone," explains therapist Cara Rose. Stress can delay or reduce appetite hormones, especially if it's chronic stress, which also leads to lower energy levels to get through the day.
-Sleep hormones
Lack of appetite in the morning can also be a sign of high levels of melatonin, the sleep hormone. When we wake up in the morning, it takes two or three hours for this hormone to be activated, so its low levels affect the appetite part in the morning.
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