Why do athletes have big appetites? Unpacking the Science of Athletic Hunger
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5 min read
According to the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, athletes in intense training may need anywhere from 3,000 to over 5,000 calories daily, significantly more than the average person's needs. This immense energy requirement is the primary reason **why do athletes have big appetites**, but the full story involves complex metabolic, hormonal, and physiological adaptations that go far beyond simple calorie replacement.
