Eating heavier, richer foods that are higher in fat can also make our digestive system work harder, Ludlam-Raine adds. That might mean you’re not as hungry for dinner after a big lunch, for example.

3. Christmas is an emotionally charged time

Appetite isn’t just influenced by how much you’re eating – it can be the product of psychological factors, including how stressed, excited or overwhelmed you’re feeling. There’s typically plenty of that to deal with during the Christmas period, so it’s unsurprising we feel a little all over the place.

“Stress, excitement or even boredom can influence our eating habits during the holidays,” Ludlam-Raine explains. “Emotional eating can lead to us feeling ravenous, while stress or anxiety might suppress appetite.” Stress and anxiety-related nausea can also make you feel less hungry.

4. Changes in physical activity levels

For most people, Christmas is a time when activity levels decrease. Instead of going to the gym or popping out for a run, you might find yourself curling up with a good book or playing a board game with family – and that can impact how hungry you feel.

“Changes in physical activity can impact appetite; less activity may lead to decreased appetite, while more activity (like walking or playing games) may increase hunger,” Ludlam-Raine says.

5. Social eating

Eating with friends and family can make it harder for us to pay attention to what we’re eating and lose track of when we’re feeling full.

That can lead to us eating more than we usually might, having a direct impact on our appetite over the next couple of hours. “Skipping meals due to busy schedules can also have a knock-on effect on how hungry we feel,” Ludlam-Raine says.

Why is your appetite all over the place following the festive period?