Psychology of Hunger

Hunger is not just a physical sensation; it is deeply psychological. Every year, millions of Muslims around the world go on a spiritual and physical transformation through fasting in Ramzan. Beyond its religious significance, fasting offers deep insights into human psychology—reshaping patience, emotional control and empathy while enhancing self-discipline and productivity. What happens to the brain when we resist food, water and desires? Science provides fascinating answers.

The Neuroscience of Fasting

When we fast, our body goes through a metabolic shift. The absence of food and water forces our system to rely on stored energy, but more importantly, our brain undergoes cognitive and emotional changes. Research in neurobiology suggests that fasting activates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a protein linked to improved memory, learning, and stress resistance.  BDNF also stimulates and controls growth of new neurons from neural stem cells (neurogenesis). This is why many people report heightened focus and clarity during Ramzan.

A study published in the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience highlights how intermittent fasting (which is similar to the fasting observed in Ramzan) increases synaptic plasticity, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Simply put, fasting is like a mental reset button—it clears brain fog and strengthens neural connections.

Hunger and Emotional Control

One of the most immediate challenges of fasting is dealing with hunger-induced irritability. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to become frustrated when you’re hungry? This phenomenon, called “hangry” (hungry + angry), is linked to low glucose levels affecting the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control. However, fasting forces the brain to override impulsive reactions.

A study in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people with lower blood sugar levels were more prone to aggression and rash decisions. Yet, in Ramzan, we observe a different outcome. With time, the brain adapts, and fasters develop increased self-regulation and patience. This is because fasting strengthens the neural pathways involved in emotional resilience, making individuals less reactive and more composed under stress.

This explains why those who fast regularly often report feeling calmer, more collected, and less prone to outbursts. Ramzan becomes a month-long training program for emotional intelligence, teaching individuals how to master their responses instead of being controlled by them.

Empathy Through Hunger

Fasting is not just about self-control; it’s about understanding the suffering of others. When we voluntarily experience hunger and thirst, we step into the shoes of those who endure it daily—not out of choice, but out of necessity. This emotional shift promotes empathy.

Psychologists term this “perspective-taking,” where experiencing a situation firsthand leads to deeper understanding and compassion. Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that temporary deprivation can increase one’s ability to relate to the struggles of others. This is why acts of charity and generosity peak during Ramzan. By experiencing hunger, people develop a stronger urge to help those in need, reinforcing the Quranic principle: “The best among you are those who feed others.”

Delayed Gratification

The ability to delay gratification—choosing long-term benefits over immediate pleasure—is a defining factor of success. In 1972, psychologist Walter Mischel conducted the famous “Marshmallow Experiment” on self-control. Children were given one marshmallow and told they could have two if they waited for 15 minutes without eating it. Years later, researchers found that those who resisted temptation had better academic achievements, higher emotional stability, and greater career success.

Ramzan is a real-life, month-long version of this experiment. Each day, fasters resist the urge to eat, drink, or indulge in desires, reinforcing their ability to exercise self-discipline. The longer we train our brains to delay gratification, the stronger our prefrontal cortex becomes. This not only enhances spiritual growth but also translates into increased willpower in daily life—whether it’s resisting unhealthy habits, staying focused on long-term goals, or improving work productivity.

What We Learn About Ourselves When We Resist

Perhaps the most profound lesson of fasting is self-awareness. When we strip away external comforts, we are left alone with our thoughts, emotions, and desires. Ramzan forces us to confront our weaknesses—whether it’s impatience, dependency on material pleasures, or emotional instability. It is a time of reflection and self-improvement.

Fasting also exposes our reliance on external factors for happiness. Many realize that hunger does not break them, thirst does not weaken them, and desires do not control them. Instead, they discover a deeper sense of inner strength and resilience. This realization carries over into life beyond Ramzan, encouraging people to make better choices, build healthier habits, and lead more purposeful lives.

As we fast this Ramzan, let’s adopt it not just as an act of worship, but as a powerful psychological exercise—one that transforms not just our bodies, but our minds and hearts as well.