Increased appetite is having an excess 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 different diseases.
Both mental conditions and endocrine gland disorders can cause polyphagia, which is fairly common.
Polyphagia can come and go (intermittent), or it can last for long periods of time (persistent), depending on the cause. It does not always result in weight gain.
Emotional support, and in some cases counseling, are recommended.
For drugs that cause increased appetite and weight gain, ask your health care provider if you can decrease the dosage or stop the medication. ASK YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE CHANGING ANY MEDICATIONS.
Review Date: 8/15/2007
Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Internal Medicine
