- Possible causes
- 1. Anxiety, stress or depression
- 2. Hyperthyroidism
- 3. Diabetes
- 4. Medicines
- How the treatment is done
Polyphagia, also known as hyperphagia, is a symptom that is characterized by excessive hunger and a desire to eat that is considered to be higher than normal, which does not happen even if the person eats.
Although it may appear sporadically in some people with no apparent cause, it is a very characteristic symptom of certain metabolic diseases, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, and is very common in people who suffer from stress, anxiety or depression.
The treatment of this symptom consists of resolving the cause that is at its origin, which is usually done with medications and dietary adjustments.
Possible causes
Generally, polyphagia results from metabolic or psychological changes, such as:
1. Anxiety, stress or depression
Some people who suffer from stress, anxiety or depression, may suffer from polyphagia, because they release cortisol in greater amounts than normal, which is a hormone that can cause increased appetite.
In addition, in addition to polyphagia, other symptoms may appear, such as loss of energy, insomnia or mood swings.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease that results from overactive thyroid, which leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which promote increased appetite. Other symptoms that can arise in people with hyperthyroidism are excessive sweating, hair loss, difficulty sleeping and weight loss.
Know the causes and how to identify hyperthyroidism.
3. Diabetes
Polyphagia is one of the main signs of diabetes, as well as excessive thirst, weight loss and fatigue. This is because, in people with diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin, or not insulin properly, which causes glucose to remain in the bloodstream and be eliminated in the urine, instead of being transported to cells, depriving them of the energy they need to function properly and causing them to send signals that stimulate appetite.
Understand how diabetes arises and what signs to watch out for.
4. Medicines
Polyphagia can also be a side effect of some medications, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants and some medications for the treatment of diabetes.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of polyphagia consists of treating the root cause, which is usually done with medicines. In addition, a healthy diet can also assist in treatment, especially in cases of diabetes.
In the case of people suffering from polyphagia due to psychological causes, it is important to have a follow-up with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
If the polyphagia is caused by a medication, it can be replaced with a similar one, on the recommendation of the doctor, if the benefits outweigh the risks.
