Polyphagia

An extreme, insatiable hunger or excessive food intake that is disproportionate to metabolic needs.

Causes

• Endocrine and metabolic causes

  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Insulinoma

  • Recovery after prolonged fasting

  • Malabsorption disorders

• Psychiatric causes

  • Atypical depression

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Bulimia nervosa

  • Binge-eating disorder

• Medications that increase appetite

  • Corticosteroids

  • Antidepressants

  • Antipsychotics

• Genetic and neurological causes

  • Prader–Willi syndrome

  • Hypothalamic disorders affecting appetite regulation

• Hormonal and physiological causes

  • Premenstrual hormonal changes

  • Pregnancy

  • Puberty --> increased energy demands during growth

• Lifestyle-related causes

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Intense physical activity

  • Chronic stress