- By Iram Hussain
- Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Many people skip meals thinking it will help them cut calories, lose weight or save time. While it may seem like a quick fix, regularly missing meals can disturb your body’s natural rhythm and negatively impact your health over time. Skipping meals can lead to a number of health issues and can also affect cognitive function, leading to decreased concentration and productivity. It is essential to establish a balanced and consistent eating routine to maintain overall health and well-being. Aiming for three main meals and one or two snacks per day can help regulate your appetite, support weight management and provide sustained energy levels throughout the day.
In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Prachi Jain, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram shared five reasons why the habit of skipping meals can work against your wellness efforts.
Ways Skipping Meals Can Sabotage Your Health
1. Slows Your Metabolism
When you skip meals, your body may switch to “energy-saving mode” to cope with what it perceives as a shortage of food. This can reduce your metabolic rate, making it harder to burn calories and potentially slowing weight loss progress.
2. Triggers Overeating
Missing a meal often leads to intense hunger, which can result in overeating during your next meal or opting for unhealthy, high-calorie snacks. This cycle can lead to excess calorie intake and blood sugar spikes, undermining your health targets.
ALSO READ: Skipping Breakfast? 5 Side-Effects Of Not Eating First Meal Of The Day On Your Health
3. Disrupts Blood Sugar Balance
Going without food for extended periods can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, leading to irritability, headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Long-term fluctuations in blood sugar may also increase the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
4. Reduces Nutrient Intake
Every meal is an opportunity to provide your body with essential nutrients. Skipping them means missing out on vital proteins, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals that support immunity, muscle strength and energy production.
ALSO READ: How Does Eating More Than 3 Meals A Day Affect Your Body?
5. Impacts Mood and Energy
Food is your body’s main fuel source. Without regular nourishment, your energy can dip, making daily activities and exercise feel more difficult. Low blood sugar can also affect your mood, causing irritability, anxiety or mental fog.
While supervised intermittent fasting can sometimes offer benefits, consistently skipping meals without planning can harm your health goals. Aim for balanced, nutrient-rich meals at regular intervals to maintain energy, metabolism and overall well-being.
