Increased Appetite

Refers to have an excessive desire for food. Hyperphagia and polyphagia refer to being focused only on eating (gluttony), or eating excessively before feeling full, and can be symptoms of various diseases.

Alternative Names

Hyperphagia, Excessive Hunger, Hunger, hunger; Increased appetite

General considerations

Both mental health problems such as endocrine gland disorders can cause polyphagia, which is fairly common.

Polyphagia can come and go (intermittent) or last for long periods of time (persistent), depending on the cause, and not always result in weight gain.

Common Causes

Causes of increased appetite include:

* Anxiety
* Certain drugs such as corticosteroids, cyproheptadine and tricyclic antidepressants
* Bulimia (most common in women between 18 and 30)
* Diabetes mellitus (including gestational diabetes)
* Graves Disease
* Hyperthyroidism
* Hypoglycemia
* Premenstrual syndrome

Home Care

We recommend the emotional support and in some cases, psychological assistance.

In cases of drugs that increase appetite and cause weight gain, consult your doctor if you can decrease the dose or stopping the drug. HE ASK YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE CHANGING ANY MEDICATIONS.

Call your doctor if:

* Presents an unexplained increase in appetite and persistent
* You have other unexplained symptoms

What to Expect At Your Medical Exam

The doctor will perform a physical exam, during which probably weigh on the person. It is also possible that a psychological evaluation.

The doctor will ask about your medical history with emphasis on food habits. Questions can be:

* Eating habits
or Have you changed your eating habits?
o Have you begun dieting?
o Do you have concerns about your weight?
or What do you eat during an average day?
or How come?
* Drugs
o What drugs are you taking?
o ¿Está tomando algún medicamento nuevo o ha cambiado la dosis de los medicamentos?
Or use any illicit drugs? If so, what?
* Time Pattern
or Does the hunger occur during the sleep?
or Does the hunger seem to occur in a pattern related to the menstrual cycle?
* Other
o What other symptoms occur at the same time?
or you noticed an increase in anxiety?
or do you frequently urinate?
o Is there an increase in heart rate?
or Do you have palpitations?
or Do you feel more thirsty?
o Have you had an unintentional weight gain?
or Do you have intentional or unintentional vomiting?