Polyphagia: When Hunger Becomes Uncontrollable
You just ate, yet the hunger returns within hours—powerful, primal, impossible to ignore. This isn't lack of willpower. Something is driving your body to demand more fuel.
If you feel hungry constantly, even after large meals, your hunger hormones may be malfunctioning, not your discipline.
Understanding Polyphagia
Polyphagia (also known as hyperphagia) is an abnormally increased appetite and food intake that persists despite adequate or excessive caloric consumption. Unlike normal hunger that occurs at mealtimes and is satisfied by eating, polyphagia is characterized by eating large quantities without feeling full, frequent eating throughout the day and night, and preoccupation with food.
Common Misconception
If you're hungry, you're just not eating enough or have no willpower.
The Reality
Polyphagia results from broken hunger signaling—your body's regulatory system isn't working properly. Ghrelin (hunger hormone), leptin (satiety hormone), insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol all regulate appetite. When any malfunction, hunger becomes uncontrollable regardless of how much you eat.
Why Am I Always Hungry?
Polyphagia has multiple potential causes that must be systematically evaluated.
Diabetes (Type 1/2)
Insufficient insulin or insulin resistance prevents cells from using glucose; cells signal hunger to get more fuel
Hyperthyroidism
Excess thyroid hormone dramatically increases metabolic rate, requiring more calories
Leptin Resistance
Brain doesn't receive leptin signals indicating adequate energy stores; thinks starving
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar triggers hunger to raise glucose levels
Cushing's Syndrome
Excess cortisol promotes hunger and stress-eating behavior
Psychological Factors
Stress, depression, anxiety can trigger emotional eating and increased appetite
Diagnostic Testing
Identifying the cause of polyphagia requires comprehensive metabolic and hormonal testing.
Blood Sugar & Insulin Panel
Purpose:
Evaluate for diabetes and insulin resistance
What it shows:
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin levels
Complete Thyroid Panel
Purpose:
Assess thyroid function
What it shows:
TSH, Free T3, Free T4 levels
Hormone Panel
Purpose:
Evaluate appetite-regulating hormones
What it shows:
Cortisol, leptin, ghrelin levels
Nutrient Panel
Purpose:
Identify deficiencies affecting hunger
What it shows:
Vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium
Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on identifying the specific cause of excessive hunger.
IV Nutrient Support
Correct nutrient deficiencies affecting metabolism and appetite regulation.
Blood Sugar Stabilization
Nutritional guidance to prevent glucose swings that trigger hunger.
Hormone Balancing
Address thyroid, cortisol, and other hormonal imbalances affecting appetite.
Stress Management
Techniques to reduce stress-related eating and cortisol elevation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about excessive hunger and polyphagia
Constant Hunger Affecting Your Life?
Don't struggle with uncontrollable hunger. Our comprehensive evaluation can identify the hormonal or metabolic cause and help restore normal appetite regulation.
Book Metabolic Evaluation