Increased appetite or constant hunger
Overview
Increased appetite or constant hunger is a persistent feeling of wanting to eat more food than usual, even after consuming regular meals. This symptom involves an excessive desire for food that may occur throughout the day and can lead to overeating or frequent snacking.
Common Causes
Increased appetite can occur naturally during periods of growth, pregnancy, or increased physical activity when your body needs more fuel. Certain medications, particularly some antidepressants and steroids, may stimulate hunger as a side effect. Not getting enough quality sleep or experiencing high stress levels can disrupt hunger hormones, leading to increased cravings. Sometimes eating too many refined carbohydrates or skipping meals can cause blood sugar fluctuations that trigger constant hunger throughout the day.
Severity Levels
Mild: You may notice eating slightly larger portions than usual or feeling hungry sooner after meals, but it doesn't significantly impact your daily routine or weight.
Moderate: Your hunger feels more intense and frequent, leading to regular snacking between meals or second helpings, which may start affecting your eating patterns and cause some weight changes.
Severe: You experience overwhelming and constant urges to eat that are difficult to control, significantly disrupting your daily activities, sleep, and causing notable weight gain or distress.
Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if your increased appetite persists for more than a few weeks without an obvious cause like increased physical activity or stress. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience sudden, extreme hunger along with unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue, as these may indicate diabetes or other metabolic conditions. You should also consult a healthcare provider if your constant hunger is accompanied by mood changes, sleep disturbances, or if it significantly impacts your daily life and eating patterns.
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