Weakness is a loss of strength or a drop in energy levels and it can be directly linked to your diet and food intake. When people go for prolonged periods without food they can experience severe fatigue, weakness and poor health. Skipping a meal or reducing your daily food intake can produce hunger and feelings of weakness.
If you don't consume enough food the levels of sugar and sodium in your blood drop, causing a variety of physical symptoms, including weakness, lightheadedness, and general malaise. Feelings of fatigue or weakness should be considered a warning sign that you may need to eat larger quantities of food or more frequent meals.
Adequate Caloric Intake
Adequate daily caloric intake ensures that you have the food energy required for healthy functioning. Individual calorie needs vary widely depending on age, gender, and activity level. An active female between the ages 19 and 30 requires up to 2,400 calories per day, while an active man of the same age requires up to 3,000 calories per day. Sedentary individuals have lower calorie requirements, but any person who does not consume adequate calories can be at risk for hunger-related fatigue and weakness.
Blood Glucose Levels and Physical Functioning
Your body converts carbohydrates to glucose which it uses as a primary source of energy for your daily physical functioning. Normal blood glucose levels range from 70 to 100 mg per deciliter. A lack of food can cause blood sugar levels to drop and if your level drops to less than 65 mg per deciliter you will likely feel symptoms of shakiness, weakness, and hunger. Individual responses to blood sugar changes vary highly between individuals. People with medical conditions such as diabetes may experience more intense weakness due a lack of food.
Managing Diet and Energy Levels
You can avoid weakness by consuming adequate calories and scheduling evenly spaced meals and snacks throughout your day. If you are more sensitive to a lack of food mid-morning and afternoon snacks can help maintain your energy levels. Individuals who experience repeated bouts of weakness should consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
References
- MedlinePlus; Weakness; National Institutes of Health; August 8, 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Healthy Diet: End The Guesswork With These Nutrition Guidelines; Mayo Clinic Staff; February 22, 2011
- US Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, USDA, 2010
- MedlinePlus; Glucose Test - Blood; National Institutes of Health; May 22, 2011
- ABC News Health; What Is The Normal Range For Blood Sugar Levels, And What Blood Sugar Level Constitutes A True Emergency?; Edward S. Horton; ABC News Health; August 14, 2008
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