Many individuals across Bihar and India report difficulty eating breakfast, often skipping the morning meal due to lack of appetite. Medical professionals attribute this phenomenon to several interconnected factors affecting the body's natural hunger signals.
Dr Rajesh Kumar, a nutritionist at Patna's Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, explains that disrupted circadian rhythms play a significant role. "Late-night eating habits, common in urban centres like Patna and Muzaffarpur, suppress morning hunger hormones. When we consume heavy meals past 9 PM, our digestive system remains active during sleep, leaving us feeling full upon waking," he notes.
Stress and anxiety also contribute significantly to morning appetite loss. The body's cortisol levels peak naturally in early hours, which can suppress ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Additionally, inadequate sleep quality—a growing concern among working professionals and students—interferes with metabolic processes that regulate appetite.
Health experts recommend establishing consistent meal timings, avoiding caffeine immediately upon waking, and engaging in light physical activity to stimulate metabolism. Starting with smaller portions like fruits or traditional Bihar staples such as chura-dahi can gradually restore morning appetite. "Skipping breakfast regularly impacts blood sugar regulation and energy levels throughout the day," warns Dr Kumar, emphasizing the importance of addressing this health concern through lifestyle modifications rather than ignoring the body's signals.