I passed out today at college, I hadn't eaten all day. What should I do?

Question

I rarely eat breakfast, but I usually have something to eat at college quite early on in the day.

Today I left my lunch bag in my friend's car (she gives me a lift to college). I didn't have any money, etc. and I didnt realise it would affect me that much.

I started to feel weak around 2pm and at about 2.30 a teacher found me collapsed on the top floor. They called for help and I kind of slowly "woke up" a bit, and they gave me some tea and a biscuit.

I didn't think it was going to have that much of an effect on me. I'm very small anyway, about 6.5-7 stone most of the time - but I'm certainly not anorexic and I don't have any eating or health problems usually.

Should I visit my doctor or just forget it?
I feel pretty sure it was a one-off, and obviously I know what to do to avoid the same thing happening again.

So should I visit the doctor or not? And should I be worried?

Answer 1

No with that explanation you shouldn't worry! You aren't ill!
Its a classic case of low blood sugar which triggers low blood pressure. Never go without food and always make time for breakfast. Even one of those cereal bars is better than nothing.
In fact for you I recommend carrying them with you.

I would see your Doctor (not urgently)though and tell him about it and ask him to check your blood pressure. As you are small and slim, you aren't underweight or anorexic but you are more likely to have a low pressure reading.

Answer 2

You really should eat regularly! I know it's hard at college- i've been there. WHen I was in college and didn't always have time to eat, I bought some slimfast shakes and bars. They're good for getting you some nutrition on the go! As far as the shakes go, I recommend the Cappuccino Delight, French Vanilla, and the Chocolate ones. The strawberry ones are kinda funky tasting. Just keep them cold and grab one on your way out.
You probably passed out because your blood sugar was too low. That doesn't mean you should overload on sugar though- that will give you a sugar high for about 20 minutes, and then your body will overcompensate with insulin and cuase your blood sugar to plummet again- no fun! Instead, try to eat something sort of balanced with good carbs, a bit of sodium, and some protein- cheese and crackers works great!

Answer 3

I don't think that you should see your physician - AT LEAST NOT YET. However, breakfast is the most important meal. I am sure you've heard the saying about not being able to run a car without gas. If time is an issue, have a glass of OJ and a banana, yogurt, or cereal bar. I'm pretty sure this happened because your sugar levels were very low "hypoglycemia". Look it up online. If this happens regularly - SEE YOUR DOCTOR. Hope I was able to help.

Answer 4

I wouldn't worry. Make sure you eat during the day, if you forget your lunch or don't have lunch money, ask someone don't be shy, your health is more important than your ego. I'm sure there would be at least one person out there who would help you out, even a professor maybe. But if this happens again and you have eaten already, then i would start to worry and go see a doctor to see whats up. Good Luck

Answer 5

you NEED to eat the reason why you passed out is that there was no sugar in your body(from the lack of food)make sure you don't forget your lunch next time always carry a light snack with you so that your body gains some sugars throughout the day. if happens again then i would see your doc but if not just carry a small snack in your bag.grapes are good full of vitamins and natural sugars. xx

Answer 6

I shouldn't worry that much, unless it happens again when you HAVE eaten. I don't agree with DAVID G's answer though - we as a community should be encouraging people towards being healthy, not towards gaining 'the perfect figure that men want' - that has disastrous consequences on women's health in general. Ultra-skinniness is NOT sexy!! Encouraging weight loss and dieting in a small, light female is just WRONG, DAVID. ELECTRA, please ignore his advice, and follow the advice of the other caring individuals who have answered your question as rational human beings. Look after yourself, eat healthily and often, and carry round snacks with you as a permanent feature in your bag for those emergency hunger-pang situations...!
Take care!! xx

Answer 7

Well try eating balanced small meals throughout the day. Breakfast is important to your energy even if it is a small item. Your digestion needs food within 30 mins of waking up.
You need to keep up your water intake to keep your blood volume sufficient to keep your blood pressure high enough to reach your brain. Adding a little bit of salt to your diet also helps you retain the fluid to add to your pressure.
See a MD if you faint again.

Answer 8

I think u should visit doctor and take breakfast everyday, its the most important of the day, eat regularry, because if u dont u can be sick, its an serious thing.
Now u know what happen if u dont eat
take care ok?

Answer 9

You dont give your age and height but being of the age to be attending college I'd say you are underweight. Force yourself to starting breakfast in the mornings and make sure you always carry some sort of snack bar in your bag just in case, also see your doctor in case there is any underlying problems.

Answer 10

I'd mention it to the doctor, explaining that you had not eaten. Take care to eat properly from now on and if you forget your lunch bag again go and tell someone in authority who can organise something for you.