Appetite, increased

Alternative names:

excessive hunger; hunger; hyperphagia; increased appetite; polyphagia

Definition:

Hunger is a desire for food and is normal. Hyperphagia and polyphagia refer to eating to the point of being focused only on eating (gluttony) or excessive eating before feeling full; these can be symptoms of various disorders.

Considerations:

Both psychological and endocrine (gland) disorders can cause this symptom, which is fairly common.

Polyphagia can be intermittent or persistent and 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

Note: There may be other causes of increased appetite. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hyperphagia, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.