Can Not Eating Make You Dizzy

Feeling dizzy is a sensation most of us have experienced at some point in time.
Though you probably know the feeling, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause. In fact, there are many things that can cause dizziness.
Not eating enough may be one cause of dizziness, but it’s not always the case.
In this article, we’ll cover why not eating can make you feel dizzy and what other issues can cause dizziness.

Why skipping meals may cause dizziness
Hypoglycemia occurs when the amount of glucose — often referred to simply as “sugar” — in your blood drops below a value of 70 mg/dL (1Trusted Source).
This state is more commonly called “low blood sugar,” and it’s something you may experience regularly if you’re living with diabetes and having trouble managing your blood sugar levels.

You can also experience low blood sugar suddenly due to factors like (1Trusted Source):
• extreme weather
• changes in altitude
• skipping meals or undereating in general
• not eating balanced meals that provide enough nutrients

Blood sugar comes from digesting carbohydrates (carbs), and it’s the primary source of energy for the brain. Thus, skipping meals or avoiding carbs can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, which may result in a sudden bout of dizziness (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
If you’re feeling dizzy after skipping a meal and wondering if your blood sugar has dropped, some other warning signs you might experience include hunger, confusion, sweating, and shaking (1Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

This combination of symptoms is likely a sign that you need to eat something.
Heads up
Skipping meals or reducing food intake to the point of experiencing symptoms like dizziness may indicate a disordered relationship with food or an eating disorder.
Disordered eating and eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, race, age, body size, socioeconomic status, or other identities.

They can be caused by any combination of biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors — not just by exposure to diet culture.
Feel empowered to talk with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, if you’re struggling.
Other reasons you may feel dizzy
Dizziness is a complex sensation that can feel a number of different ways and may be caused by many different things (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).

Most of the time when someone says they feel dizzy, they’re likely trying to describe a feeling of unsteadiness. They may feel as if they’re spinning, floating, or somehow off-balance. But dizziness may also entail feeling faint, woozy, weak, or lightheaded.
When someone feels dizzy, it does not automatically mean that it’s because they haven’t eaten enough.
Rather, it’s best to look at the full picture of symptoms and circumstances to better understand what’s causing the dizziness.

Here are some other causes of dizziness — and a few tips to help determine if they could be affecting you.
Stroke
Dehydration
Ear infections
Other reasons
Dizziness is a commonly reported symptom of many conditions.

Here are a few more potential causes of feeling dizzy that may have little to do with how much you’ve eaten (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source):
• anxiety
• anemia
• allergic reactions
• head injuries
• migraine headaches
• medication side effects
• motion sickness
• alcohol consumption
• tobacco use