Locations:
Search IconSearch

Is Being ‘Hangry’ Really a Thing ― or Just an Excuse?

Why hunger sometimes erupts as anger

man eating while talking on phone

It’s one thing to crave a big meal or a bottomless bag of your favorite snack. It’s another to be so famished that you are irritable and overreact to minor annoyances. That’s the difference between being hungry and being “hangry,” a clever combo of “hungry” and “angry.”

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Whether or not you’ve experienced it, you probably know someone who has. But is it really a physiological phenomenon — or just a grown-up version of crying for your bottle?

The biology of being hangry

“There is a physiological reason why some people get angry when they’re hungry,” says gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD.

“When you haven’t eaten for a while, the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood decreases,” she explains. When your blood sugar gets too low, it triggers a cascade of hormones, including cortisol (a stress hormone) and adrenaline (the fight-or-flight hormone). These hormones are released into your bloodstream to raise and rebalance your blood sugar.

So why am I so hangry?

“The release of cortisol can cause aggression in some people,” says Dr. Lee. “Also, low blood sugar may interfere with higher brain functions, such as those that help us control impulses and regulate our primitive drives and behavior.”

So, there truly is a medical explanation for being hangry. It’s a biochemical reaction due to low blood sugar — not the same thing as being crabby when you’re tired, sick or otherwise feeling out of sorts.

Other consequences of getting too hungry

Why do some people get hangry and others just hungry?

“People who struggle with controlling their anger or who have impulse-control issues may be more susceptible to becoming hangry,” says Dr. Lee. “However, it is unclear if there is an association between having regular hanger and having a personality trait disorder.”

Advertisement

“Hunger comes with various negative consequences, not just anger,” she says. If hunger doesn’t make you angry, it might cause one of these reactions instead:

  • Fatigue.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Poor coordination.
  • Susceptibility to making mistakes.

When hanger is a problem

“Becoming so hungry that you get hangry isn’t necessarily a health concern,” says Dr. Lee. “If you’re otherwise healthy, an occasional bout of extreme hunger isn’t a problem.”

However, people who have other health concerns should take steps to prevent hanger. That includes those who are on multiple medications, those who have medical conditions, and those who are underweight or malnourished.

“People who have metabolic stressors, such as diabetes, pancreatic or liver disorders, and adrenal insufficiency syndromes, are particularly at risk for complications or adverse effects of low blood sugar due to inadequate counter-regulatory response,” says Dr. Lee.

If you are prone to getting hangry, take these steps to control or prevent it:

  • Eat several small meals throughout the day, or make sure breakfast, lunch and dinner are fulfilling and nutritious.
  • Avoid junk foods, which can cause another sugar crash — after they first incite a sugar rush. Nutrient-rich, high-fiber foods are best and keep you feeling fuller longer.
  • Have healthy snacks on hand — a few handy snacks inside your purse, car or desk can offer peace of mind if you’re worried about hanger rearing its ugly head while you’re away from home.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Stay hydrated.

Your body will thank you. And your family and friends might too.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Gluten-free symbol, red circle with line through it over a strand of wheat
April 29, 2025/Digestive
Yes, Celiac Disease Can Be Inherited

Family history can increase your risk of developing this autoimmune disorder — you may want to see a healthcare provider for screening

White bowl of halved canned peaches on wooden table, with red and white checkered napkin
April 24, 2025/Nutrition
How To Follow a Low-Fiber Diet

Choose foods that are easily broken down in your digestive system, like fruits and vegetables without skins or seeds

Teen sitting with hunger pains on oversized stomach, with heart
April 21, 2025/Mental Health
Eating Disorders in Teens: Myths, Facts and What To Do

Look for signs like withdrawing from social eating and not gaining weight — and get treatment early if possible

Person looking at their waist size in the mirror
April 18, 2025/Mental Health
Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders: They’re Not the Same

Eating disorders are diagnosable mental health conditions, while disordered eating is unhealthy eating behavior that doesn’t meet the criteria for a diagnosis

Person walking for exercise, with oversized scale, water bottle, fruit nearby
April 17, 2025/Digestive
Tips on How To Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Focus on exercise, eating healthy and getting regular screenings to help lower your risk

An array of fresh foods on table, with half overlayed with an oversized question mark
April 9, 2025/Digestive
What To Eat (and What To Avoid) When You Have IBS

A low-FODMAP diet or gluten-free diet could help you manage your symptoms, but only with professional guidance

A salmon and greens sandwich on whole-grain bread being served on a plate
March 31, 2025/Digestive
What To Eat (and Avoid) When You Have Gallbladder Issues

A low-fat, high-fiber diet can help prevent gallbladder attacks and keep you pain-free

Hands gently holding illustration of the human gut/intestines
March 21, 2025/Digestive
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What’s the Difference?

Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that help your gut, while prebiotics are foods that fuel the bacteria

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad