Feeling hungry after sex is totally normal. Especially after an orgasm, hormone levels increase which leads to an elevation in appetite.
While sex may feel like a workout, it actually burns very few calories. Even the most ardent lover only burns about 100 calories per session, according to immunologist Lina Velikova.
Hormones
Hormones are messengers that travel to different parts of your body and regulate physiology and behavior. They are incredibly complex and include eicosanoids, steroids, amino acid derivatives, hormone-like compounds, protein or peptides, and gases.
During sexual activity, your brain and body experience significant hormonal changes that directly impact your hunger pangs. For example, during sex men can burn as many calories in 30 minutes as they would in a 30-minute jog.
In addition, during intercourse sex hormone levels rise for both males and females. As the sex progresses, these hormones increase until they reach a peak during an orgasm and then plateau. The high levels of estrogen in women and testosterone in men can inhibit the body’s normal ability to sense hunger.
However, these are not the only hormones that influence hunger. A drop in progesterone and an increase in cortisol can also contribute to feelings of hunger.
The release of the sex hormone oxytocin, known as the “cuddle hormone,” can stimulate appetite as well. Having low levels of these hormones, which is often the case in polycystic ovary syndrome, can also contribute to hunger. Getting adequate amounts of sleep can also help suppress hormones that lead to overeating and weight gain.
Intercourse
Sex can be emotionally and physically intense, which can trigger a variety of feelings. For many people, these feelings include a desire to eat food. This is because sexual activity can deplete energy and cause the body to crave calories for fuel. In addition, it can also lead to a feeling of contentment or satisfaction. Food is often associated with feelings of pleasure and comfort, so it’s no wonder that many people feel hungry after sex.
Intercourse can also make you hungry due to the physical exertion and hormone changes involved. The sex hormone ghrelin is released during sex, which can trigger hunger. However, the sex hormone leptin is released to balance ghrelin and can help suppress hunger.
In addition, sex can cause your heart rate to increase and your blood pressure to rise. This can lead to feelings of hunger and thirst. Lastly, sex can also disrupt sleep patterns, which can also lead to feelings of hunger and thirst.
To combat these feelings, it’s important to drink plenty of water before and during sex. It’s also a good idea to eat a snack, such as chia seeds or green tea, after sex. This will help to hydrate the body and keep blood sugar levels stable. Also, try to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages after sex, as they can interfere with sleep and lead to dehydration.
Sleep
Often, the reason we feel hungry after sex is because of how many calories we burn. During sex, the body is working hard and the heart rate is high, burning extra calories. While this is a factor, it’s not the main reason for feeling hunger after sexual activity. On average, a session of sexual intercourse can burn about 100 additional calories for men and 70 for women. This is not a lot of extra calories. It’s more likely that hormonal changes are the cause of feeling hungry after sex.
Hormone levels naturally increase during sex or masturbation. This can be a huge contributor to feelings of hunger after sex, especially for men. After an orgasm, hormone levels plateau and can even dip. This can make you feel hungry, as the oxytocin and dopamine are no longer suppressing appetite.
Another factor that can contribute to feeling hungry after sex is lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can trigger the release of the hormone ghrelin, which is an appetite stimulant. It can also reduce the production of leptin, which is a hormone that regulates hunger and fullness. This can lead to overeating and weight gain. To avoid hunger, try to get a good night’s sleep every night. Try to eat healthy foods such as yogurt, which is filled with probiotics that can help your digestive system.
Food
Many people assume that the reason they feel hungry after sex is because of all of the calories burned during intercourse. However, that is not the case. In fact, on average, a person burns only about 100 calories during a full session of sexual activity from excitement to orgasm. It is much less than the amount of calories that are burned during a short jog.
Hormonal changes are also a big reason why you may feel hunger after sex. Testosterone levels in the body increase during sex and this can cause an increase in appetite. The sex hormones can also block hunger receptors in the brain, but when these hormones return to normal levels, the hunger receptors will become active again.
Eating a healthy, filling snack or meal can help to curb your hunger after sex. Make sure to choose nutritious foods like yogurt (which is high in protein and good bacteria) or whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Be sure to drink plenty of water as well. A good rule of thumb is to eat when you are thirsty and stop eating once you are full.
Having a satisfying meal after sex can make you want to have a second one. To avoid overeating, plan your meals ahead of time and keep a stash of nutritious snacks on hand to help you resist the urge to eat everything in sight.
