Many individuals experience increased hunger during or after a COVID-19 infection. This feeling is a common and typical response from the body. Various physiological and psychological factors contribute to this heightened appetite.
Body’s Energy Demands During Infection
Fighting an infection like COVID-19 significantly increases the body’s energy demands. The immune system, when activated, requires substantial calories to mount an effective defense. This heightened activity is a primary reason for increased hunger during illness.
Metabolic processes shift to support the immune response. Immune cells are highly energy-demanding, primarily using glucose as fuel. The body undergoes metabolic reprogramming, altering pathways to meet the amplified bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs for immune cell activation and pathogen clearance.
Producing new immune cells and synthesizing antibodies are energy-intensive processes. Inflammation, a key part of the immune response, consumes large amounts of energy and can increase systemic energy expenditure by up to 10%. The virus itself can also hijack host metabolism, altering energy stores and affecting organs, further increasing the body’s demand for resources.
Impact of Sensory Changes and Stress
COVID-19 can affect appetite through pathways beyond just metabolic demands. A common symptom is the loss or alteration of taste and smell. When these senses are impaired, food may seem bland or unappetizing, leading some to eat more to find satisfaction. People might also gravitate towards foods with stronger flavors, higher in sugar, salt, or unique textures, to compensate for the diminished sensory experience.
Stress, anxiety, and boredom associated with illness or isolation can also influence eating patterns. Prolonged stress can increase cortisol levels, a hormone that may boost appetite and the desire to eat, often leading to cravings for high-sugar and high-fat “comfort” foods. This emotional eating, driven by psychological factors rather than true physiological hunger, can contribute to an overall increase in food intake during and after the illness.
Post-Illness Recovery and Nutrient Needs
Even after the acute phase of COVID-19, the body continues to require additional energy and nutrients for repair and recovery. The recovery process involves rebuilding damaged tissues and replenishing nutrient stores depleted during the active infection.
The body needs adequate fuel to support these restorative processes. This demand triggers increased hunger as the body seeks the building blocks and energy to fully heal. Fatigue is a common lingering symptom after COVID-19, and proper nutrition is important for regaining energy levels during this recovery period.