Polyphagia, or excessive hunger, can be caused by an unbalanced diet, stress, binge eating disorder, poor sleep, or health problems such as dehydration, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.
However, it is important to remember that increased appetite is normal during adolescence, when the body goes through rapid growth and significant hormonal changes.
If excessive hunger persists and/or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a primary care physician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if needed.
Why am I so hungry?
The most common causes of polyphagia are:
1. Dehydration
Polyphagia can occur due to dehydration, as the body may mistake thirst for hunger. Dehydration can also cause symptoms such as headaches, dry skin, chapped lips, and dark yellow urine.
Also recommended: 10 Signs of Dehydration in Babies & Children tuasaude.com/en/signs-of-dehydration-in-babiesWhat to do: When dehydration is confirmed, a doctor may recommend drinking around 2 liters of fluids per day, including water, tea, fruit juice, and soups.
In some cases, hydration may also involve the use of oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids in a hospital setting, as directed by a healthcare professional.
2. Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder is a psychological condition characterized by emotional hunger, meaning eating excessively even when the body does not need calories.
People with binge eating disorder may experience episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time and may find it difficult to stop eating even after feeling full.
What to do: If binge eating disorder is suspected, it is important to see a doctor or registered dietitian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may include psychotherapy, dietary counseling, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, the use of appetite suppressants such as fluoxetine or topiramate.
3. Unbalanced diet
An unbalanced diet that is low in fiber and/or protein can lead to polyphagia, as these nutrients take longer to digest and help promote satiety. Eating foods made with white flour or that are high in sugar can also increase hunger, as these foods are digested quickly and do not keep you full for long.
What to do: To help control hunger, it is recommended to prioritize high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
It is also important to include a source of protein at every meal and to limit the intake of foods high in sugar or made with refined flours, such as ice cream, cake, jelly, chocolate, and white rice.
4. Stress
Chronic stress can affect the adrenal glands and increase cortisol levels. Cortisol raises blood sugar levels and stimulates excessive hunger. Stress can also increase the desire for fatty or sugary foods.
What to do: Once stress is diagnosed by a doctor, treatment may include medications such as sertraline, paroxetine, or propranolol. The doctor may also recommend natural calming supplements like passionflower extract, psychotherapy sessions, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, meditation, or yoga.
5. Poor sleep
Excessive hunger can also be a sign of poor sleep, such as sleeping too few hours or having low-quality rest. This happens because insufficient sleep affects the production of leptin and ghrelin, hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, which can lead to increased calorie intake throughout the day.
What to do: Some tips to improve sleep include going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, sleeping at least 7 hours per night, avoiding digital devices before bedtime, and limiting caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake at night.
Also recommended: How to Fall Asleep Fast: 10 Tips for a Quicker Sleep tuasaude.com/en/how-to-fall-asleep-fastIf these strategies do not help, a doctor may prescribe treatment that could include melatonin supplements, passionflower extract, or antidepressants. Check-out teas for sleep that you can prepare to fall asleep quicker.
6. Pregnancy
Polyphagia is common during pregnancy due to the body’s increased energy needs to support the baby and also because of emotional hunger caused by anxiety during this phase.
Also recommended: 14 Pregnancy Symptoms (by week) & Early Signs You're Pregnant tuasaude.com/en/pregnancy-symptomsWhat to do: It is important to consult a registered dietitian to evaluate nutritional needs and create a balanced eating plan to prevent excessive weight gain. He or she may recommend healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
7. PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
During PMS, some women may experience excessive hunger and increased cravings for sweets. This can happen due to changes in hormone levels, such as increased estrogen and progesterone and decreased serotonin.
Read more about PMS symptoms that some women may experience.
What to do: Treatment should be prescribed by a doctor and may include birth control pills, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (instead of Ponstan), antidepressants, or anxiolytics.
8. Diabetes
Polyphagia is one of the common symptoms of diabetes. This occurs because the body’s cells are unable to properly use glucose for energy, which reduces available energy and increases appetite.
Read more about the symptoms of diabetes and how they can present with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
What to do: If diabetes is suspected, it is important to see a primary care physician or endocrinologist for proper diagnosis. Depending on the type of diabetes, treatment may involve insulin injections, oral antidiabetic medications, dietary changes, and regular exercise.
9. Medication side effects
Some medications, such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can cause polyphagia as a side effect.
What to do: In these cases, it is important to inform the doctor who prescribed the medication. The doctor may adjust the dose or change the prescription if needed.
10. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop between 55 and 69 mg/dL. Symptoms include excessive hunger, trembling, weakness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, and tingling in the lips or tongue.
What to do: Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If the person is conscious, it is recommended to consume ½ cup of apple, orange, or grape juice; ½ can of regular soda; or 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup. Blood sugar should then be checked again, and if it remains below 70 mg/dL, repeat the same intake.
In cases of severe hypoglycemia, when blood sugar levels drop below 55 mg/dL, a glucagon injection should be given if available. Wait about 20 minutes and check glucose levels again. If still low, it is important to call emergency services.
11. Intestinal worms
A lack or excess of appetite, abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, and itching around the anus may indicate intestinal worms. These parasites affect the intestinal wall and are usually transmitted through contaminated food or water or by walking barefoot on contaminated soil.
Check-out the signs and symptoms of intestinal worms that you should not ignore.
What to do: When intestinal worms are diagnosed, a doctor may prescribe oral antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before and after using the bathroom, before cooking, and properly cleaning fruits and vegetables, can help prevent reinfection.
12. Hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, metabolism increases, causing symptoms such as excessive hunger, rapid heartbeat, and weight loss. Persistent hunger occurs as the body tries to maintain energy for its high metabolic rate.
Also recommended: 17 Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (& How It's Diagnosed) tuasaude.com/en/symptoms-of-hyperthyroidismWhat to do: If hyperthyroidism is confirmed by a doctor, treatment may include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.