Hyperphagia

Alternative names

Appetite - increased; Increased appetite; Hunger; Excessive hunger; Polyphagia

Definition

Hunger is a normal desire for food. Hyperphagia and polyphagia refer to being focused only on eating (gluttony), or eating excessively before feeling full. These can be symptoms of various disorders.

Considerations

Both psychological and endocrine gland disorders can cause polyphagia, which is fairly common.

Polyphagia can be intermittent or persistent, depending on the cause. It may or may not result in weight gain.

Common Causes

• Anxiety
  
• Premenstrual syndrome
  
• Bulimia (most common in women between ages 18 and 30 years old)
  
• Diabetes mellitus
  
• Gestational diabetes
  
• Graves' disease
  
• Hyperthyroidism
  
• Hypoglycemia
  
• Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
  
• Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
  
• Drugs - such as corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, and tricyclic antidepressants
  

Home Care
Emotional support, and in some cases psychological counseling, are recommended.

For drugs that cause increased appetite and weight gain, ask your health care provider if you can decrease the dosage or discontinue the medication. CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE CHANGING MEDICATIONS.

Call your health care provider if

• There is an unexplained, persistent increase in appetite.
  
• Other unexplained symptoms accompany the problem.
  

What to expect at your health care provider's office
A history will be obtained (with emphasis on eating habits) and a physical examination performed. Once determined, the underlying cause will be treated.

Medical history questions documenting increased appetite in detail may include:

• Eating habits
  o Have you changed your eating habits?
  o Have you begun dieting?
  o Do you have concerns about your weight?
  o What do you eat in a typical day?
  o How much do you eat?