What You Should Know About an Increased Appetite

Overview
If you want to eat more often or in larger quantities than you’re used to, your appetite has increased. But if you eat more than your body requires, it can lead to weight gain.
It’s normal to have an increased appetite after physical exertion or some other activities. But if your appetite is significantly increased over a prolonged period of time, it could be a symptom of a serious illness, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

Mental health conditions, such as depression and stress, can also lead to appetite changes and overeating. If you’re experiencing excessive ongoing hunger, make an appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor may refer to your increased appetite as hyperphagia or polyphagia. Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your condition.

Causes of increased appetite
You may have an increased appetite after engaging in sports or other exercise. This is normal. If it persists, it might be a symptom of an underlying health condition or other issue.

For example, an increased appetite can result from:
• stress
• anxiety
• depression
• premenstrual syndrome, the physical and emotional symptoms that precede menstruation
• reactions to certain medications, such as corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, and tricyclic antidepressants
• pregnancy
• bulimia, an eating disorder in which you binge eat and then induce vomiting or use laxatives to avoid gaining weight
• hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland
• Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease in which your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormones
• hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
• diabetes, a chronic condition in which your body has trouble regulating blood sugar levels

Diagnosing the cause of your increased appetite
If your appetite has significantly and persistently increased, contact your doctor. It’s particularly important to contact them if changes in your appetite are accompanied by other symptoms.

Your doctor will probably want to perform a thorough physical examination and note your current weight. They’ll likely ask you a series of questions, such as:
• Are you trying to diet?
• Have you gained or lost a substantial amount of weight?
• Did your eating habits change prior to your increased appetite?
• What’s your typical daily diet like?
• What’s your typical exercise routine like?
• Have you previously been diagnosed with any chronic diseases?
• What prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements do you take?
• Does your pattern of excessive hunger coincide with your menstrual cycle?
• Have you also noticed increased urination?
• Have you felt more thirsty than normal?
• Have you been regularly vomiting, either intentionally or unintentionally?
• Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed?
• Do you use alcohol or drugs?
• Do you have any other physical symptoms?
• Have you recently been ill?

Treating the cause of your increased appetite
Don’t attempt to treat changes in your appetite using over-the-counter appetite suppressants without talking to your doctor first.
Their recommended treatment plan will depend on the cause of your increased appetite. If they diagnose you with an underlying medical condition, they can help you learn how to treat and manage it.