We've all been there. You're in the middle of your day, trying to get things done, and suddenly, you feel it—a pang of hunger so sharp that it's more than just a craving. You're not just hungry; you're irritated, snappy, and everything around you seems to test your patience. What started as a slight grumble in your stomach has turned into full-on rage. Now you don't even know whether you are hangry or angrier, or maybe something weirdly in between.

This crazy jumble of emotions is what people refer to as being "hangry," a bright and clever portmanteau of the words "hungry" and "angry." Wanting to eat something is a little different, though, from being hungry enough that you start to feel it seep into your mood and your patience. Most people have; if they haven't, then there's probably a good chance that you know someone who has.

What is Hangry, really?

Being "hangry" isn't exactly a medical diagnosis, per se, but it is most definitely a real phenomenon.

Some folks just get angry or irritable or even emotional if they don't eat for some time. The presentation of hanger varies from person to person: some lash out in frustration while others may feel anxious, feel down, or totally crazed. Some people might even feel this way if they do not eat enough during the day. But why does hunger cause such an emotionally evocative feeling? What is the physics behind it?

As explained by experts, hanger is triggered by a biochemical reaction in your body, especially once your blood sugar levels have dropped. Without food intake, your blood sugar (glucose) levels drop low. Since glucose is the primary fuel for your brain, the situation starts getting out of hand when it does not get its due.

How You Become Hangry?

The moment your blood sugar drops, it triggers a cocktail of hormones that balance things out in your body.

Among these two other vital players are stress hormones: cortisol and adrenaline. One is termed the "stress hormone" as it's one released at moments of stress to help you cope while the other is your "fight-or-flight" hormone. Both of them are released into your blood to help raise and stabilize your blood sugar levels. These stress hormones, however, will also mess with your emotional regulation.

Cortisol can trigger aggression in some; one's lower brain functions interfere with higher brain activities like that which guides impulse control and emotion regulation. In other words, when your body runs low on fuel, you're left with a rage in the throes of said irritability and crankiness-the kind we've all come to refer to as hanger. Let's find out why your stomach growling can turn into you growling, and how to tame the inner beast of hunger.

The Inner Beast: The Science Behind Why Your Stomach Growling Can Turn into You Growling and How to Calm It Down

Role of Serotonin: Your Gut's Secret Weapon

One of the major players in the control of your mood is the chemical that most people have heard of called serotonin. This is known as the "feel-good" chemical. An astonishing 90% of serotonin is produced in your gut, not your brain. So if your gut is well-fed, it will churn out plenty of serotonin, which will keep your mood level and hold the bright smiling side of you in place. Dotted lines connect the nerves via pathways of neurotransmitters, including serotonin. When you skip meals, your gut's serotonin production slows down.

Without enough serotonin, your mood becomes volatile- something like a cranky toddler who overslept: cranky, cranky, uncooperative. That is why you don't really care if your partner is breathing too loudly until you get hungry.

Blood Sugar: A Rollercoaster Ride

Your brain needs glucose to operate. Low blood sugar will make you function as though you were trying to run a smartphone on 1% battery if it works at all, things don't work quite the same.

Your brain can't do decision-making, impulse control, or regulate your emotions. And low blood sugar can even trigger the release of cortisol and adrenaline that leaves you feeling more stressed than when you started. Low serotonin levels paired with more stress hormones mean that when the pangs of hunger catch you, you may feel like snapping at everyone in line.

A study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience revealed that the gut can send distress signals to the brain, influencing mood regulation and stress responses. Another Cell study has demonstrated how disruptions in gut health could alter mood and behavior, thus underlining the radically intertwined nature of the brains and the digestive system.

Next time you get angry because you skipped breakfast, it's just biology being a little dramatic.

Other Effects of Being Way Too Hungry

Hunger does not make all individuals respond in a similar manner. While not every individual becomes hangry, all people are affected by hunger in different ways. Some may become tired, drowsy, or unfocused. Others may become clumsy or notice a surge in mistakes. Those who do not have control over their temper and lack impulse control are still far more susceptible to hangriness.

While there is no direct link between multiple episodes of hanger and personality disorders, hunger has many negative physical ramifications other than causing a short temper.

Hunger is how your body lets you know it needs to be fueled; depriving your body of fuel for too long has emotional and physical aftermaths. Regardless, whether you feel hangry or just a little cranky when you haven't eaten, learn how to pay attention to the signs your body is giving you and fuel it with balanced meals. Regular feeding in addition to adding some mood-stabilizing foods to the diet can help control those pesky hunger-induced mood swings.

Hangry Cure: Five Foods to the Rescue

1. Bananas – Rich in natural sugars and fiber, bananas will give you a quick energy boost while stabilizing your blood sugar.

2. Nuts and Seeds – Almonds or sunflower seeds have protein and healthy fats that satisfy hunger for longer.

3. Greek Yogurt – High on proteins and probiotics, Greek yogurt supports your gut well-being and satisfies your hunger pangs.

4. Chana (Roasted Chickpeas) – A popular Indian snack, roasted chana is a high-protein, fiber-rich option that can provide long-lasting energy

5. Poha – This Indian dish is lightweight and nutritious, offering balanced carbohydrates with the help of fiber that can quickly satisfy hunger.

Sometimes serious health issues fail to get recognized due to their simple symptoms. Many times, things as simple as a persistent cough, or a fever, can end up being a sign of a concerning health issue. Since we deal with these issues on a daily basis, people often do not get them checked out by a doctor; instead, they choose to stay home and recuperate.

However, having information about the same goes a long way. Experts explain these symptoms and issues to people on various platforms, like social media or governmental portals. One such warning was issued by the National Health Service, England (NHS) about a common warning sign, that many people experience after eating.

NHS says this feeling of ‘heartburn’ could actually be one of the "least-recognised" signs that someone might have cancer. What's concerning is that a large majority of people in Britain, around 79% according to their findings, would not even think that this particular symptom could be a signal of a deadly disease growing inside their body. This lack of awareness means that crucial early warning signs could be easily overlooked, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment, which can have serious consequences for the outcome of the illness.

Heartburn Could Be A Serious Concern

A new survey that was carried out by NHS England revealed a worrying trend: many of the initial warning signs that could point towards cancer are being easily missed by the general public. One of the key examples they highlighted is heartburn and indigestion. These are feelings that a lot of people experience from time to time, often as a result of eating too much, eating their food too quickly, or consuming certain types of foods that don't agree with them.

However, the NHS experts are emphasizing that heartburn that persists for a period of three weeks or even longer could be an early indication of oesophageal cancer. This is a particularly dangerous form of cancer that sadly leads to the deaths of around 8,000 people in the United Kingdom every single year, making early detection absolutely vital for improving survival rates.

Recognizing Changed Signs

To get a better understanding of what the public knows about cancer symptoms, NHS England conducted a survey that involved a significant number of people, around 2,000 individuals in total. The results of this survey were quite revealing. They found that heartburn, specifically heartburn that lasts for three weeks or more, was the cancer symptom that people were least likely to recognize as a potential warning sign.

Eight out of every ten people who were surveyed, which translates to 79% of the participants, did not identify this persistent heartburn as something that could possibly indicate cancer. However, heartburn wasn't the only symptom that wasn't widely recognized. The survey also showed that more than half of the people didn't recognize blood in their urine (even if it happened just once), nearly half didn't recognize unexplained weight loss, and over four in ten people didn't recognize an unexplained lump anywhere on their body as a potential sign of cancer.

Signs You Should Not Ignore

NHS England advises contacting your doctor if you notice any of the following: lumps, changes in moles, blood in poo or pee, unusual bleeding, a cough lasting three weeks or more, mouth sores that don't heal, tummy trouble, unexplained tiredness, ongoing heartburn, unusual poo, unexplained pain, or bloating.

Other less common signs of oesophageal cancer include trouble swallowing, feeling sick, a persistent cough, a hoarse voice, loss of appetite or weight loss without trying, tiredness, throat or chest pain when swallowing, and black poo or coughing up blood.

When Todd Engel, based in Maryland, first noticed a change in his vision, he did not think it would change the rest of his life. However, within months, the 62-year-old went from working a full-time job and driving to becoming legally blind in both eyes. Now, Engel is suing Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic - the drug he believes took away his vision.

An Irreversible Loss

Engel was prescribed Ozempic in 2023 to help manage his type 2 diabetes. After four months later, he was diagnosed with nonarthritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is a rare condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked and causes sudden and irreversible vision loss.

"He made a comment to me about how it’s painful to know he’s never going to see his wife smile again," said Engel’s attorney Jonathan Orent, who spoke to NBC News. "But he knows her voice so well, he can tell when she is smiling."

As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NAION affects about 10 in every 100,000 people over the age of 50. For Engel, the diagnosis meant that he no longer would work his job as a motor equipment operator. He also lost his ability to drive and the way he connects with his family.

What Does His Lawsuit Allege?

Filed in New Jersey’s Middlesex County Superior Court, the lawsuit accuses Novo Nordisk of negligence, alleging the pharmaceutical giant failed to properly warn users about the potential risk of NAION. Engel's legal team argues that the company was aware of the condition during early clinical trials but still chose not to include it in the warning label.

“Nothing was or is stopping Defendant from adding a warning regarding the risk of NAION,” the lawsuit states.

Had Engel known about a potential link between Ozempic and blindness, Orent said, he would have chosen a different medication. “There are a wide number of medications that can be used to treat diabetes — and treat it effectively,” Orent said to NBC News.

What Do Research Say About Ozempic And Blindness?

Ozempic, and its active ingredient semaglutide, is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially designed to treat Type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. Recent studies have hinted at a possible link between semaglutide and NAION — though causation hasn’t been confirmed.

A 2024 study which analyzed six years of medical records from Boston patients found that people with diabetes who took semglutide were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.

Even more striking, overweight or obese people without diabetes who took the drug were over seven times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.

However, researchers noted this study wasn’t a randomized clinical trial and said more investigation is needed before drawing conclusions.

In February 2024, a separate paper published in JAMA Ophthalmology reported a more modest increase in the risk of NAION for people with diabetes on Ozempic. Like the earlier study, it also stressed the need for further research.

What Do The Manufacturers Say?

Novo Nordisk's spokeperson told the NBC News that current evaluations, including internal safety reviews and a study from the University of Southern Denmark found no causal relationship between NAION and Ozempic.

The company said that NAION is not listed as an adverse drug reaction. “This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes,” the spokesperson said.

Ever thought those weekend binges, skipped workouts, or stress-fueled all-nighters in your 20s wouldn't matter later? Think again. The truth is, those early habits don’t just fade—they follow you. And by your 30s, they often come knocking in the form of low energy, poor sleep, creeping weight, or even anxiety. But here’s the good news: small, healthy choices now can completely rewrite that story. Ready to see how your everyday habits are shaping your future health? Let’s dive in.

It turns out the consequences of your twenties don't just haunt your social media feed—they may be silently impacting your long-term health well before you reach middle age. A groundbreaking study published in the Annals of Medicine has revealed that bad habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity begin taking a measurable toll on mental and physical health by the age of 36.

This research, led by Finnish scientists and conducted over the course of more than 30 years, offers one of the most comprehensive glimpses yet into how unhealthy lifestyle choices in early adulthood accelerate aging and disease risks, and perhaps more crucially, when exactly those effects begin to show.

Why 36 Is a Wake-Up Call for Health?

While much of previous research has focused on health deterioration starting in midlife, the new longitudinal study flips the script by starting earlier. Scientists from Finland followed over 300 individuals born in 1959 in the city of Jyväskylä from childhood into their early 60s. Health assessments were conducted at ages 27, 36, 42, 50, and 61, offering an unparalleled timeline of how unhealthy behaviors impact wellbeing over decades.

The researchers found that even by age 36—what many consider still "young adulthood"—participants who consistently smoked, drank heavily, and exercised infrequently already showed notable declines in both mental and physical health. This suggests that the damage doesn’t start in your 40s or 50s. It begins much earlier, and once set in motion, it compounds.

Measurable Impact of Risky Habits

The three behaviors monitored—smoking, heavy alcohol use (defined as over 875 units/year for women and 1,250 for men), and exercising less than once a week—were assessed alongside health outcomes like depressive symptoms, psychological well-being, self-rated health, and a metabolic risk score that measured blood pressure, waist size, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers.

Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen, lead author of the study and a health scientist at Laurea University in Finland, emphasized the urgency of early intervention. “Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviours as early as possible to prevent damage from building up over the years,” she explained.

Unhealthy Habits Are Interconnected

One of the most compelling insights from the study is the recognition that the relationship between poor habits and poor health is likely two-way. A person under chronic stress may turn to drinking or smoking to cope, leading to more health issues, which in turn worsen stress and mental health—a vicious cycle.

This echoes similar findings from large-scale studies, such as the ongoing Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. These studies emphasize the interconnected nature of diet, physical activity, and mental wellbeing across decades of life.

Not Just Physical, Mental Health Pays the Price Too

Interestingly, the study separated out which habits affected which aspects of health the most. Smoking was most closely tied to poor mental health outcomes, while lack of exercise impacted physical health most significantly. Heavy drinking, perhaps unsurprisingly, was associated with declines in both mental and physical wellbeing.

This finding is particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world where mental health concerns are on the rise among younger adults, and alcohol use among Americans has increased significantly, especially among women and young professionals.

Are Millennials and Gen Z At High Risk?

Though the data primarily pertains to individuals born in the late 1950s and early 1960s, researchers caution that its findings are still broadly applicable. However, younger generations may face different lifestyle risks—such as increased screen time, vaping, and dietary imbalances—that weren't as prevalent in earlier cohorts. Therefore, the health impact timeline could shift, but the underlying message remains: the earlier you adopt healthier behaviors, the better.

High-profile figures like Adele, Rupert Grint, and A$AP Rocky—all around the age of 36—have publicly grappled with smoking and drinking. Adele, who quit smoking at 23, cited concerns about her vocal cords. Rupert Grint revealed he gave up smoking when his daughter was born in 2020. These personal transformations reflect a growing awareness among public figures of the need to shift lifestyle habits before long-term damage becomes irreversible.

How to Build A Healthy Lifestyle?

Perhaps the most hopeful message from the study is that change is possible. Dr. Kekäläinen reiterates: “It is never too late to change to healthier habits. Adopting healthier habits in midlife also has benefits for older age.”

So, what are the takeaways for someone nearing or in their 30s?

• Begin exercising regularly—even once a week has a measurable benefit
• Reduce or quit smoking as soon as possible
• Practice moderation in alcohol consumption
• Seek mental health support when experiencing stress or depressive symptoms
• Maintain regular health check-ups to monitor metabolic indicators

Your 30s aren't just about career milestones or starting a family—they're a crucial checkpoint for your health journey. The choices you make today will echo through your 40s, 50s, and beyond.