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Appetite - increased

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Illustrations

Lower digestive anatomy
Lower digestive anatomy

Alternative names    Return to top

Hyperphagia; Increased appetite; Hunger; Excessive hunger; Polyphagia

Definition    Return to top

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    Return to top

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    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

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    Return to top

What to expect at your health care provider's office    Return to top

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: The physical examination will probably include a general physical examination and a measurement of the body weight. Psychological evaluation may also be performed in some cases.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are: After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to increased appetite to your personal medical record.

Update Date: 11/10/2003

Updated by: John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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