As temperatures keep going higher, your appetite may be getting smaller, and researchers say there’s *** reason for this science. It actually has to do with the thermic effect of food, so we’re not as hungry in the heat because our bodies don’t want to get overheated. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano with Cleveland Clinic says Digesting food and stockpiling its nutrients uses energy, which generates heat. If your body is already hot, it may not want any more heat. Generally, naturally, our appetites just drop in the summer and in the hotter months. Even if you’re not as hungry, Zumpano says it’s still important to have *** balanced diet. She says to choose. The most nutrient dense foods possible like fresh fruits and veggies, and make sure you’re getting enough protein. You might opt for ones that aren’t as heavy. Proteins can come from meats or fish, but it can also come from things like eggs and beans and dairy sources like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. And finally, Zumpano says digestion can slow down when you’re dehydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water. Even focusing on hydrating foods can be very helpful, like watermelon and lettuce, and celery and cucumbers, cherries and citrus fruits and strawberries. So all of those foods can be very hydrating, in addition to, of course, increasing your fluid intake. For Health Minute, I’m Mandy Gaither.
Why your appetite drops in summer and how to stay nourished
Updated: 2:21 PM EDT Jul 15, 2025
As temperatures rise, many people find their appetites shrinking due to the thermic effect of food, according to experts. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano from the Cleveland Clinic explained, “It actually has to do with the thermic effect of food, so we’re not as hungry in the heat because our bodies don’t wanna get overheated.”Digesting food and storing its nutrients require energy, which generates heat, and if your body is already hot, it may not want any more heat. “So generally and naturally, our appetites just drop in the summer and in the hotter months,” Zumpano said.Even if you’re not as hungry, Zumpano emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and recommended choosing nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, and ensuring adequate protein intake, opting for lighter sources. “Proteins can come from meats or fish, but it can also come from things like eggs and beans and dairy sources like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt,” she said.Finally, Zumpano noted that dehydration can slow digestion, so it’s crucial to drink plenty of water. “Even focusing on hydrating foods can be very helpful, like watermelon and lettuce and celery and cucumbers, cherries and citrus fruits and strawberries. So all of those foods can be very hydrating, in addition to, of course, increasing your fluid intake,” Zumpano said.Zumpano suggested embracing a decreased appetite during summer, as it can contribute to better health, especially if winter weight gain is a concern, noting that winter tends to have the opposite effect on appetites.
As temperatures rise, many people find their appetites shrinking due to the thermic effect of food, according to experts.
Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano from the Cleveland Clinic explained, “It actually has to do with the thermic effect of food, so we’re not as hungry in the heat because our bodies don’t wanna get overheated.”
Digesting food and storing its nutrients require energy, which generates heat, and if your body is already hot, it may not want any more heat. “So generally and naturally, our appetites just drop in the summer and in the hotter months,” Zumpano said.
Even if you’re not as hungry, Zumpano emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and recommended choosing nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, and ensuring adequate protein intake, opting for lighter sources.
“Proteins can come from meats or fish, but it can also come from things like eggs and beans and dairy sources like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt,” she said.
Finally, Zumpano noted that dehydration can slow digestion, so it’s crucial to drink plenty of water.
“Even focusing on hydrating foods can be very helpful, like watermelon and lettuce and celery and cucumbers, cherries and citrus fruits and strawberries. So all of those foods can be very hydrating, in addition to, of course, increasing your fluid intake,” Zumpano said.
Zumpano suggested embracing a decreased appetite during summer, as it can contribute to better health, especially if winter weight gain is a concern, noting that winter tends to have the opposite effect on appetites.