There are some foods and drinks that can perk up your mood and some that leave you glum, but hunger can leave many people angry (aka Hangry). When Britney Spears is hungry and craves for a cheeseburger, she wants it at the press of a button, failing which she gets really angry (read HANGRY). Similarly, Saoirse Ronan, the Golden Globe-winning actress, can “become quite unhappy or irritated” when she is hungry. By her own admission, she has been that way since she was a child. Britney and Saoirse are not alone. Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” is one of their most successful ad campaigns ever using humour to show how hunger affects mood. Snapping angrily at someone when you are hungry is real. Many get ‘hangry’ all the time. “Subconsciously, I get moody when I don’t eat on time or when I’m on a diet that prevents me from eating foods I enjoy. I wouldn’t say I become furious or agitated, but I do feel a little on edge, which I can detect immediately,” says actress Shriya Pilgaonkar, who plays journalist Radha Bhargav in Broken News.
Hangry State
The term ‘hangry’ refers to people’s irritation or poor temper when they are hungry, and it’s a common reaction to a decline in blood sugar levels, which can impair emotional regulation. When the ‘hangry’ mode is on, a person’s self-control is thrown out the window. And guess what? ‘Hangry’ is a totally valid state of mind, or so say the experts! Queenie Singh, an international style icon and, of course, a critically acclaimed jewellery designer, says being angry when you are hungry is like a phenomenon that is time immemorial. “Mostly it’s the male folk who are known to be short-tempered when hungry, and people would often say feed them something so that they will be fine,” she says. Queenie says she has noticed that in little children as well, when they are hungry. “Some children get very angry and irritable when hungry. When it comes to toddlers, they are not able to express to themselves that they are actually hungry, but they do get angry and irritable.”
Hunger-Emotion Link
Dr Prerna Kohli, clinical psychologist and founder of MindTribe.in, says being ‘hangry’ highlights how hunger impacts emotions. “Regular, balanced meals are key to maintaining mood stability. The mental and emotional impact of being ‘hangry’ can be significant and detrimental for several reasons,” she points out. One of them is impaired emotional regulation. “Low blood sugar levels impair the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, leading to increased irritability, frustration, and anger. Second, there is increased stress as hunger triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can heighten feelings of stress and anxiety,” she explains.
There is decreased patience and tolerance: “When ‘hangry’ people often have less patience and a lower tolerance for frustration, which can lead to conflicts and strained relationships. It also leads to poor decision-making,” says Dr. Prema.
Elaborating, she says hunger can negatively affect cognitive functions, leading to poor judgement and decision-making skills. There are mood swings as well. “Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause rapid changes in mood, making it difficult to maintain emotional stability. Critical irritability and mood swings due to hunger can contribute to long-term mental health issues, such as increased anxiety and depression,” she says. Addressing ‘hangry’ feelings by maintaining regular, balanced eating habits can help prevent these negative impacts and support better mental and emotional health. “When all else fails and ‘hangry’ takes over your life, it is time to seek professional help from a psychologist. Additionally, consulting a specialist in psychiatric nutrition can provide tailored dietary strategies to support emotional regulation and overall mental well-being,” Dr Kohli says.
Dr Jyoti Kapoor, founder-director and senior psychiatrist, Manasthali explains that when the brain is deprived of the glucose it needs to operate efficiently, it can trigger stress responses, leading to irritability and anger. “This physiological response is natural and serves as a signal that the body needs nourishment. Understand-ing this connection between hunger and mood can help individuals recognise the importance of regular, balanced meals and snacks to maintain emotions,” she says.
Food & Mood
Food deprivation influences the way we tend to respond to normal events in different physiological and psychological ways, showing anxiety and sudden anger reactions, says Aman Puri, founder of Steadfast Nutrition, a sports and wellness nutrition brand. When the blood sugar drops, the body releases cortisol, a stress hormone that affects mood and behaviour. So, what to do when ‘Hangry’? “If you have the option, go binge on something quickly high in glucose, as it gets broken down into ATP, providing fuel to the brain. It’s a powerful way to calm down the brain pathways, making you calmer and healthier,” says Aman.
Food For Thought
• Food cravings lead to restless behavioural reactions
• Low blood glucose levels trigger the appetite, increasing impulse aggression and anger
• Changes in moods, negative emotions, and grumpy behavioural reactions are seen due to the uncontrollable hunger pangs
I get moody when I don’t eat on time or when I’m on a diet that prevents me from eating foods I enjoy.” — Shriya Pilgaonkar, actor
‘Hangry’ people often have less patience and a lower tolerance for frustration, which can lead to conflicts and strained relationships. When all else fails and ‘hangry’ takes over your life, it is time to seek professional help from a psychologist.” — Dr Prema Kohli, clinical psychologist
Some children get very angry and irritable when hungry.” — Queenie Singh, jewellery designer
This physiological response is natural and serves as a signal that the body needs nourishment.” — Dr Jyoti Kapoor psychiatrist
