Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute

Identifying the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger can be difficult. The following lists can provide you with clues to determine the origin of your hunger.


Signs of Physical Hunger Include:

Hunger begins some time after last meal and builds slowly
Physical discomfort such as stomach pains, rumbling sensation, headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Irritability or difficulty concentrating
Satisfied by any type of food
Is alleviated by eating
Eating leads to a feeling of satisfaction

Signs of Emotional Hunger Include:

Hunger begins suddenly, regardless of last meal
No physical sensations
Often associated with a "taste for" or craving a certain food
Eating many times in an attempt to find the "right" food which will satisfy the hunger
Persists despite fullness
Eating leads to feelings of guilt and shame

Learning to differentiate the type of hunger you are experiencing is a powerful tool in weight control. Stay tuned for future posts on how to handle head hunger without sabotaging your success.