Why Do We Get Hangry? The Science of Hunger and Anger

Have you ever been so hungry that you felt angry and irritable? You're not alone. This common phenomenon is known as "hangry" and it affects many people around the world. In fact, the word "hangry" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2018, indicating its widespread acceptance as a real phenomenon. But what causes hanger, and why do some people get hangry while others don't? Let's dive in and explore the science behind it.



Hunger is a physiological sensation that occurs when our body needs food. When our stomachs are empty, they contract, causing hunger pangs and the secretion of chemical messages that travel to the brain to signal the need for food. When our blood glucose levels drop, the pancreas and liver generate chemical signals that induce hunger and initiate feeding behaviour.



On the other hand, anger is a natural and adaptive response to threats, inspiring aggressive feelings and behaviours. But how are hunger and anger connected?

In a 2018 study, researchers at the University of North Carolina found that people are more likely to be in a negative mindset when hungry. One of the reasons we experience irritability is that not eating can affect our blood sugar levels. When our blood sugar drops, the hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released, which keep us alert to threats. This high alertness, combined with hunger, can result in the irritability frequently associated with hunger.



But why do some people get hangry while others don't? It turns out that some bodies are more reactive than others to the hormones that cause hanger. Low blood sugar can interfere with higher brain functions, such as those that help us control impulses and regulate our behavior. Anger is also linked to hunger because of brain chemicals such as neuropeptide Y, which is released into the brain when we are hungry. However, it also helps to regulate anger or aggression.



Ultimately, experiencing anger when hungry is a biological mechanism that has helped our survival as a species. Being aggressive when hungry helped us fight for food as hunter-gatherers, ensuring we stayed fed when faced with competition. While it may not be as necessary in our modern society, the feeling of hanger is still very real and can affect our mood and behavior.


So the next time you or someone you know gets hangry, remember that it's not all in your head. It's a real phenomenon with a scientific explanation. And who knows, maybe acknowledging hanger as a real thing will help us all be a little more patient and understanding with each other when we're feeling hungry and irritable.

References 

1. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/waymaker-psychology/chapter/hunger-and-eating/
2. https://patient.info/news-and-features/hangry-why-do-we-get-angry-when-we-are-hungry#:~:text=Anger%20is%20also%20linked%20to,our%20survival%20as%20a%20species.
3. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/12/13/hangry-cause-eating-emotions/