Can skipping meals at work increase your risk of heart disease? Here’s how to break the office habit | Health

Skipping Meals at Work: The Hidden Health Risk You Need to Know About

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Dixit Garg, Consultant Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, explained, “Skipping meals and depriving the body of constant energy triggers a counter-regulatory response, primarily through the system nervous sympathetic. It produces more fats and proteins for energy, causing several adverse effects on your heart. Increased sympathetic activity leads to microvascular changes that stimulate contractility of the heart and subsequently increase blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to an increase in fibrous tissue in the heart and even cell death.

He explained: “Additionally, this constant state of stress can promote inflammation, a known contributor to heart disease. Poorly regulated consumption and eating patterns lead to poor blood sugar control and a strained regulatory system. This can lead to insulin resistance, the main cause of developing diabetes and other metabolic problems. Blood sugar levels should be kept constant through regular, balanced meals; therefore, heart health requires stable blood sugar levels. To avoid wild fluctuations in blood sugar, a person should eat smaller meals more frequently. This avoids any additional stress on the cardiovascular system.

Besides the direct physical effects above, fasting at work also affects your mental and emotional psyche. Dr Dixit Garg pointed out, “Drops in energy can lead to restlessness, anxiety and difficulty concentrating while performing. This is perhaps a very important reason not to neglect regular balanced meals to maintain physical and mental health and ensure long-term heart health.

From skipped meals to heart problems:

Providing his expertise, Dr Shantanu Dhari, Senior Clinician – Medical Excellence at HCL Healthcare, revealed, “Skipping meals can significantly increase the risk of heart disease due to the complex relationship between metabolism, stress and cardiovascular health. When you skip meals, especially during long working hours, it leads to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, putting the body’s sugar regulation under strain. These fluctuations can trigger insulin resistance over time and lead to type 2 diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

He shared: “When you skip meals, your body experiences a drop in blood sugar levels, which can lead to unhealthy cravings, overeating, and poor food choices later in the day by consuming foods high in calories and high in fat. This habit can cause a sudden increase in blood sugar levels, promoting the development of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Skipping meals regularly can also contribute to weight gain, particularly abdominal fat, which is closely linked to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

The body’s response to prolonged fasting involves the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone. Dr Shantanu Dhari warned: “High cortisol levels increase blood pressure and contribute to hypertension, thereby adding strain to the cardiovascular system. To reduce the risk of heart disease, it is essential to maintain a balanced schedule, emphasizing balanced meals that provide essential nutrients and consistent energy.

He advised: “Small, frequent meals throughout the day help regulate blood sugar levels, avoiding the highs and lows that stress the cardiovascular system. Employers can support heart health by encouraging healthy eating habits and regular breaks. A balanced approach to workplace nutrition can go a long way in preventing heart disease and supporting overall well-being.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a health problem.