6 personality traits of people who are always hungry, according to psychology

For years, I’ve been intrigued by one peculiar trait – constant hunger.

You know what I mean: always being the first to suggest grabbing a bite, constantly thinking about the next meal and never feeling fully satisfied, no matter how much you eat.

As the founder of Hack Spirit and a psychology enthusiast, I’ve always been curious about this.

Five years ago, I was that guy. Always hungry and always planning my next meal, regardless of what I had just eaten. It seemed like no matter what, I couldn’t shake this constant hunger.

During that time, I lived with an insatiable appetite and an unending curiosity as to why this was happening.

Turns out, there’s a lot more to constant hunger than meets the eye. It’s not just about physical hunger – there are psychological factors at play too.

And that’s what led me to delve into the subject more deeply and uncover the 6 personality traits of people who are always hungry, according to psychology.

So if you’re like me – always thinking about your next meal – then stick around. You might just find out something interesting about yourself.

1) Impulsivity

As someone who was always ravenous, the first personality trait that struck a chord with me was impulsivity.

Psychologically speaking, impulsivity refers to a tendency to act on a whim, without thinking about the consequences. It’s all about immediate gratification.

When it came to food, I was the epitome of impulsivity. If I saw a delicious snack, I didn’t think twice – I just ate it. Didn’t matter if I was already full or if it was almost time for dinner.

We don’t just want food—we want it now.

If you find yourself reaching for a bag of chips while waiting for your meal to cook, or ordering dessert even when you’re stuffed, then impulsivity might be playing a role in your constant hunger.

Recognizing this trait in myself was the first step towards understanding my constant hunger. It helped me become more mindful of my eating habits and start making healthier choices.

2) High levels of extraversion

As an extrovert myself, this made a lot of sense to me.

Extraverts are often the life of the party, thriving in social situations and enjoying the company of others. They are generally characterized by their outgoing and energetic nature.

And guess what? Social situations often revolve around food.

I remember going to parties and events, not just for the company but also for the spread. I would find myself eating more, simply because I was in a social setting.

Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The extraverted attitude is characterized by an outward flowing of personal energy—it goes easily to external objects”. In my case, this outward flowing energy was often directed towards food.

Understanding the link between my extraversion and my constant hunger helped me manage it better. Now, when I’m at social events, I try to focus more on the people around me rather than the food.

3) Sensitivity to reward

I’ve always been someone who works hard and loves to reap the rewards. Whether it’s a job well done or a goal achieved, I’ve always enjoyed the satisfaction that comes with it.

But where does food come into play?

Well, for many of us, food is a reward. Had a tough day at work? Treat yourself to a pizza. Finished a big project? Celebrate with a cake.

In my case, I found that I was using food as a reward more often than not. It wasn’t just about sustenance – it was about celebrating, about treating myself.

But the issue was, I was rewarding myself too frequently. A slice of cake here, a bag of chips there – it all added up.

Recognizing this trait helped me find healthier ways to reward myself. Instead of always reaching for food, I now try to celebrate my victories in other ways – a walk in the park, a movie night, or even just some quiet time with a good book.

It might be time to find some new ways to celebrate your successes.

4) High levels of neuroticism

Psychologists define neuroticism as a fundamental personality trait in the study of psychology characterized by anxiety, moodiness, worry, envy, and jealousy.

Individuals with high levels of neuroticism are often self-conscious and shy, and they may have trouble controlling urges and delaying gratification.

This struck a chord with me because I’ve always been a bit of a worrier. And when I’m stressed or anxious, I tend to turn to food for comfort.

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that individuals with higher levels of neuroticism were more likely to struggle with overeating and weight gain.

This research helped me realize that my constant hunger might not just be about physical hunger – it could also be emotional. Learning to manage my stress and anxiety in healthier ways has been a game-changer for me.

It’s about time you start exploring other coping mechanisms. Exercise, meditation, or talking to a trusted friend can all be effective ways to manage stress without turning to food.

5) Tendency towards novelty seeking

As a person who always seemed to be hungry, another personality trait that resonated with me was the tendency towards novelty seeking.

Novelty seeking is characterized by the pursuit of new, unfamiliar and exciting experiences. For me, this often translated into trying out different cuisines or new dishes at every opportunity.

I found myself excited by the prospect of a new food experience – a newly opened restaurant, a unique dish I hadn’t tried before, or even a different variety of chips at the supermarket. This excitement often led me to eat, even when I wasn’t particularly hungry.

Recognizing this trait in myself was enlightening. It made me realize that my constant hunger was not just fueled by physical needs, but also by my desire for new experiences.

6) Low levels of conscientiousness

Conscientiousness is characterized by being thorough, careful, or vigilant; it implies a desire to do a task well. And one would assume that conscientious people would be more mindful of their eating habits and thus, not constantly hungry.

But in my case, I found the opposite to be true. My low level of conscientiousness often led me to eat without thinking about the consequences. I would snack mindlessly while watching TV or working, not really focusing on what or how much I was eating.

Understanding this trait was a wake-up call for me. It made me realize that I needed to be more mindful about my eating habits.

So, if you’re always hungry and have a low level of conscientiousness like me, try this practical tip: Start keeping a food journal. Record what and when you eat.

This simple act can make you more conscious of your eating habits and help you make healthier choices.

Conclusion

To wrap up, understanding the psychology behind constant hunger can be a game-changer. It’s not just about what you eat, but also about why you eat. Recognizing these seven personality traits in yourself can help you manage your constant hunger more effectively.

But remember, it’s not about completely changing who you are. It’s about making small, manageable changes to your eating habits.

And the next time you find yourself reaching for a snack, take a moment. Are you really hungry or is it one of these personality traits nudging you towards the fridge?

Finding the answer to that question could be your first step towards a healthier relationship with food. So go ahead, take that step!