That sudden wave of irritability when hunger strikes is what weve come to call “hanger.”
Hangry is a term that refers to feeling irrationally angry, irritable, or moody because youre hungry.
And it isnt just an excuse to snap at your partner over something trivialresearch shows its a real thing.
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Hanger is pretty common, saysNoah Kass, DSW, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist based in New York.
Stay away from food, and it becomes difficult tomanage emotionsand make rational decisions, he says.
But why is hanger so powerful?
Why does skipping a meal sometimes turn us into someone we barely recognize?
Turns out its a little more complicated than that.
This makes it difficult for you to think clearly, and it can change your mood.
When your blood sugar drops, your brain doesnt get the energy it needs to function at its best.
This lack of fuel leads to irritability, poor concentration, andimpulsive behavior.
In essence, your brain goes into survival mode, prioritizing the search for food over everything else.
NeuroscientistCamilla Nord, PhDshares another perspective.
Dr. Nord writes about hangeramong other topicsin her book,The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health.
Interoception doesnt just monitor the body for signs of hunger or illness, but for emotions.
While these hormones help you stay alert, they can also make you feel edgy and reactive.
Dr. Brukner says that neuropeptide Y is also associated with aggression andanxiety, two hallmarks of hanger.
Because of this, you feel more nervous and on edge.
These hormonal shifts are why being hungry can feel more like a crisis than a mild inconvenience.
Psychological and Behavioral Effects
The brain relies heavily on glucose as its primary energy source.
When youre hangry, your emotional centers tend to take over, while your logical thinking takes a backseat.
This can lead to overreacting in situations youd typically handle calmly.
Social Implications of Hanger
Hanger doesnt just affect youit can strain your relationships as well.
Dr. Kass says this is common.
When you are hungry, you often interpret other peoples words as challenging.
You may misinterpret what they are saying,become defensive, and lash out, he says.
This is because hunger shifts the focus to survival.
You prioritize your immediate needs over cooperation or empathy for others.
How to Manage Hanger
The good news?
Hanger is entirely manageable.
Preventing Hanger
The best way to avoid hanger is to avoid hunger.
Dr. Nord recommends learning to identify the difference between feeling hungry and feeling irritable or angry.
Simply bringing awareness to hanger can help you feel better, Dr. Nord says.
I think this is why so many people like the term hanger.
These neologisms arent just amusing: they tell us that were not alone in our experiences.
Coping with hanger isnt just about eating well.
Its about recognizing the signals your body sends and responding with care.
Of course, not all irritability comes from hunger.
If youre feeling particularly on edge, but hunger isnt the cause, consider other factors likestressorlack of sleep.
Next time you feel hanger creeping in, remember: your brain cant run on empty.
A small snack could be all it takes to get back to feeling like yourself.
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