While skipping meals is an issue that needs immediate atte it can lead to various drastic aftereffects. Even though food powers every system in your body, not eating a meal—especially dinner—can lead to unexpected changes in your body’s functioning.

According to experts, when you do not eat, especially at night, it can trigger a series of reactions in your body. Even small shifts in regular mealtimes impair your ability to regulate your appetite because varying a daily eating routine disrupts circadian rhythms—the 24-hour cycle that governs many bodily functions. As a general rule, eating something at your usual dinnertime – even soups or salads – can keep your body on a schedule. And so, this is what happens when you intentionally skip dinner.

Not eating even one meal a day can have a serious impact on your mental health. Studies say that skipping breakfast is associated with a higher risk of depression and stress – not eating dinner is also associated with a higher risk of anxiety in the adolescent age group.

When you go too long without eating, your body starts producing more cortisol – the stress hormone, which gets released to try to help regulate a dip in blood sugar but also creates a stress response in the body.

Not eating dinner after spending the whole day being active can lead to low energy levels. It means fewer calories for your body, leaving you dragging. According to experts, it can leave very little glucose for your brain and body to use.

One of the consequences of having low blood sugar due to not eating is having cravings – specifically for simple carbs and sugar. Both of these give you quick, short bursts of energy. According to experts, skipping meals can hinder your weight loss efforts, as it leads to binge eating.

Not eating dinner can also lead to an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the long run.

Skipping dinner can cause nutritional deficiencies in the long run, as it may lead to not nourishing your body with the dozens of essential nutrients it needs to thrive. Also, it only gives carb cravings, which causes you to not nourish your body on a deeper level. While carbs are an essential part of the human diet, we should prioritise eating carbs such as whole grains, fruit, legumes, and dairy over things like cookies, crackers, and snack chips, which should be eaten in moderation.

Experts say those who skip meals are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. Skipping dinner to consume fewer calories, whether out of guilt for something you ate earlier or because the food around you is not healthy enough.