Why do I feel very hungry after swimming

Feeling hungry after swimming is a normal physiological phenomenon, mainly related to increased energy consumption in water, temperature regulation, and accelerated water metabolism. When swimming, the body needs to simultaneously resist water resistance and maintain body temperature, resulting in significantly higher calorie expenditure than land exercise. The thermal conductivity of water is 25 times that of air, and even in low-intensity swimming, the human body consumes additional energy by producing heat through trembling. Different swimming strokes affect the difference in energy consumption. Freestyle swimming consumes about 600 calories per hour, while breaststroke consumes nearly 500 calories per hour. This sustained energy consumption quickly depletes muscle glycogen reserves. Cold water environment will further exacerbate hunger. When the water temperature is below body temperature, the body activates the brown adipose tissue thermogenesis mechanism, which requires the mobilization of a large amount of blood sugar and fat for energy supply. Some people experience hypoglycemic reactions after swimming, manifested as palpitations and hand tremors. At this time, hunger is a protective signal for the body. supplementing with moderate slow carbon foods such as oatmeal one hour before swimming can effectively delay the onset of hunger.

It is recommended to replenish electrolyte drinks after swimming to restore fluid balance. After 30 minutes, eat a high protein and complex carbohydrate meal, such as chicken breast with brown rice. Long term swimmers should pay attention to monitoring their body fat percentage to avoid excessive energy intake due to hunger. Swimming belongs to systemic aerobic exercise, and regular exercise can enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve the hunger regulation mechanism in individuals with metabolic syndrome.