Does Not Eating Enough Give You Chills?

October 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Health Service (NHS), feeling cold most of the time is a recognized symptom of malnutrition. The physiological processes behind this phenomenon are often a direct result of inadequate caloric intake, meaning the answer to the question, "does not eating enough give you chills?" is yes.

Quick Summary

This article explores the direct link between insufficient calorie intake and a drop in body temperature. It explains how a slower metabolism, low blood sugar, and nutritional deficiencies conspire to leave you feeling cold and shivery.

Key Points

Metabolic Slowdown: Undereating forces your body into "starvation mode," slowing your metabolism and reducing the heat it generates, causing a constant cold sensation.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Inadequate fuel intake leads to low blood sugar, which triggers a stress response and redirects blood flow from the skin to vital organs, causing cold extremities and chills.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vital nutrients like iron and B12 can impair oxygen transport and nerve function, both of which are crucial for maintaining body temperature.
Chronic Undereating is a Warning: The sensation of being cold is a key indicator that your body is not getting enough fuel, and ignoring it can lead to more serious health problems like fatigue and frequent illness.
Restoring Warmth: Eating regular, balanced meals provides the consistent energy needed to fuel your metabolism, which is the most effective way to restore your body's natural thermostat.

The Core Connection: Metabolism and Body Temperature

When you don't eat enough, your body conserves energy by slowing down your metabolic rate, a process often described as going into "starvation mode". Your metabolism is responsible for generating the heat that keeps your body warm. With less fuel (calories), your body turns down its internal thermostat to conserve energy, resulting in a constant feeling of coldness or chills. This is a primal survival mechanism; your body's priority shifts from maintaining a comfortable temperature to powering essential functions like your brain and organs.

The Hypoglycemia Link

Another major physiological reason for chills when undereating is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Your brain and central nervous system rely on a steady supply of glucose for fuel. When blood sugar levels drop, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to trigger glucose release from storage. Adrenaline also causes peripheral vasoconstriction, where blood vessels in the skin constrict to reduce blood flow to the extremities. This diversion of blood to core organs makes your hands and feet feel cold and can trigger the sensation of chills.

Nutrient Deficiencies and Thermoregulation

Beyond simple calorie restriction, specific nutritional deficiencies can also impair your body's ability to regulate its temperature. This is because vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in metabolic and circulatory health.

Iron: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency in iron, known as anemia, leads to reduced oxygen circulation. This impairs the body's ability to produce and maintain heat, resulting in cold intolerance, especially in the hands and feet.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin is vital for the formation of red blood cells and for nerve function. A B12 deficiency can also lead to anemia and impair nerve function, affecting the proper regulation of body temperature.
Essential Fatty Acids: Fats are essential for insulation and hormone production. A severe deficiency in fats can reduce the body's insulation and interfere with hormonal balance, both of which can impact temperature regulation.

Table: Chills from Undereating vs. Other Causes

To distinguish chills caused by undereating from other potential causes, consider the accompanying symptoms and context. While there can be overlap, patterns offer important clues.


Feature	Chills from Undereating	Chills from Illness (e.g., flu)
Symptom Duration	Chronic and persistent, especially noticeable when hungry.	Episodic, often preceding or accompanying a fever.
Other Symptoms	Fatigue, irritability, hair loss, constipation, and cognitive fog.	Body aches, headache, sore throat, cough, and general malaise.
Triggers	Skipping meals, periods of fasting, or prolonged calorie restriction.	Viral or bacterial infection.
Associated Signs	May include lightheadedness, shakiness, or an irregular heartbeat (hypoglycemia).	Often accompanied by fever, sweating, and nasal congestion.
Body Temperature	Core body temperature may be consistently lower.	Temperature is typically elevated (fever).
Resolution	Improves with regular, balanced meals that restore metabolic function.	Resolves as the body fights off the infection and fever breaks.

The Dangers of Chronic Undereating

Feeling cold is more than a minor inconvenience; it's a critical signal that your body isn't getting the energy it needs. Chronic undereating, whether from a restrictive diet or an eating disorder, forces the body into a low-energy state that has cascading effects. The metabolic slowdown is a key survival response, but it comes at a cost, reducing the body's capacity for daily activities and impairing immune function. Over time, this state of malnutrition can lead to more severe health issues, including chronic fatigue, frequent illness, hormonal imbalances, and serious complications related to organ function. It's crucial to recognize the chills as a warning sign and address the underlying issue of inadequate nutrition.

Conclusion: Prioritize Nutrition for a Warm Body

In conclusion, the direct answer to "does not eating enough give you chills?" is yes, due to a combination of slowed metabolism, low blood sugar, and specific nutritional deficiencies. The feeling of cold is a clear physiological response to energy deprivation, prompting your body to conserve what little energy it has. To avoid this and other serious health consequences, it is vital to ensure a consistent and balanced intake of calories and nutrients. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent chills or other symptoms of inadequate nutrition, consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Restoring proper nourishment is the most effective way to restore your body's natural temperature regulation and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is often a sign of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. When your blood sugar drops, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can cause shakiness and chills as a protective response.

Yes, restrictive dieting can lead to a metabolic slowdown. Your body conserves energy by reducing its heat production, which can make you feel cold constantly.

After a balanced meal, your metabolism will begin to work, generating heat. For most people, a change in body temperature can be felt within 30 minutes to an hour as your body digests the food and produces energy.

Yes. Chills from undereating are typically chronic and not accompanied by a fever. Fever chills are part of the body's immune response to an infection and are often episodic and accompanied by other flu-like symptoms.

Feeling cold constantly is a common symptom of malnutrition, but it is not the only sign. It often accompanies other symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and low mood. If you have concerns, a doctor can provide a proper assessment.

Yes. Body fat acts as a natural insulator. For those with low body weight or very low body fat, there is less insulation to trap heat, making them more sensitive to cold temperatures.

The most effective long-term solution is to eat regular, nutritious meals to properly fuel your metabolism. For immediate relief, a quick-acting carbohydrate can help raise blood sugar, and adding layers of clothing or using a blanket will help trap existing body heat.