Appetite (excessive)
Synopsis of Appetite (excessive)
Excessive appetite, or hyperphagia, is a condition marked by increased hunger or compulsive eating, which may lead to weight gain, digestive discomfort, and metabolic imbalances over time. This symptom can arise from emotional, hormonal, or neurological imbalances, or be a side effect of certain medications or metabolic conditions.
It is important to distinguish true physical hunger from emotional or stress-related eating, which is often tied to mental health patterns rather than nutritional need. In some cases, excessive appetite can indicate an underlying disorder such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, Prader-Willi syndrome, or binge eating disorder (BED).
Types:
-
Physical hunger increase: From conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or hypoglycemia.
-
Emotional eating: Driven by stress, sadness, boredom, or anxiety rather than actual hunger.
-
Compulsive overeating: Frequent, uncontrollable eating episodes, often associated with guilt.
-
Medication-induced hyperphagia: Caused by steroids, antipsychotics, or antidepressants.
-
Hormonal hunger: Triggered by leptin resistance or ghrelin overproduction.
Common Causes (Risk Factors):
-
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels: Diabetes or reactive hypoglycemia.
-
Hormonal imbalance: Low leptin (satiety hormone) or elevated ghrelin (hunger hormone).
-
Thyroid dysfunction: Hyperthyroidism accelerates metabolism and increases appetite.
-
Medications: Corticosteroids, psychiatric medications, and appetite stimulants.
-
Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety, binge eating disorder.
-
Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of protein, fiber, or healthy fats can trigger overeating.
-
Sleep deprivation: Disrupts hunger hormones and increases cravings.
-
Stress and cortisol: Chronic stress increases appetite, especially for high-calorie comfort foods.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
-
Obesity: From chronic overeating and excess caloric intake.
-
Insulin resistance: Elevated blood sugar and eventual type 2 diabetes.
-
Metabolic syndrome: Increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and abdominal fat.
-
Emotional distress: Shame or guilt after overeating episodes.
-
Gastrointestinal discomfort: Bloating, indigestion, or acid reflux.
-
Eating disorders: Binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa.
When to See a Doctor or Specialist:
-
Persistent and unexplained increase in appetite
-
Weight gain despite regular eating patterns
-
Cravings or overeating episodes that feel uncontrollable
-
Symptoms of diabetes (increased thirst, urination, fatigue)
-
History of eating disorders or concern about food behaviors
-
Associated mood disorders like anxiety or depression
Natural remedies for Appetite (excessive)
High-Protein, High-Fiber Meals: Increase satiety and slow digestion, reducing the likelihood of cravings. Include beans, legumes, eggs, nuts, and whole grains.
Chromium and Vanadium (Minerals): Support blood sugar regulation and help control cravings. Available as supplements or in foods like broccoli and oats.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA, EPA): Regulate leptin and insulin sensitivity, helping to reduce excessive hunger. Include fatty fish or flaxseed oil.
Green Tea (EGCG and Caffeine): Supports metabolism, provides mild appetite suppression, and boosts energy. Drink 1–2 cups daily.
Garcinia Cambogia: Contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may reduce appetite and fat storage. Use with caution and under guidance.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): May promote satiety and support blood sugar balance. Dilute 1–2 teaspoons in water before meals.
Glucomannan (Konjac Root): A natural fiber that expands in the stomach and promotes fullness. Take before meals with plenty of water.
Cinnamon: Helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing hunger spikes. Add to meals or tea.
Mindful Eating Techniques: Enhance awareness during meals to prevent overeating. Eat slowly, without screens, and pause between bites.
Sleep Hygiene: Adequate rest regulates hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin). Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Appetite (excessive)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
allspice
alpha lipoic acid
amino acids
apple
ashwagandha
myrobalan
bасора
cassia bark
chromium
cinnamon
citrus oil
d-sorbitol
fiber blend (proprietary)
garcinia
ginseng
glucomannan
green tea
horseradish
hydroxycitric acid
Japanese sophora
magnesium
marshmallow
natural flavor
omega-3 fatty acids
oregon grape
parsley
plantain
protein
butyric acid
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
spearmint leaf
vanadium
water
squawvine
shen-chu
inula racemosa
boxthorne
queen of the meadow
anemarrhena asphodeloides
peach
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
5-HTP (test)
5-HTP
African Mango
Alcohol
Ash
Angelica archanglica
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Aroma
Aloe Polysaccharide
Aerva Lanta
Alpinia
Average Herb Strength
Agmisode
Anthraquinone
Amylase
Allium tuberosum Rottl.
Agrimony
Alkaloid (unspecified)
Asian Bayberry
Arisaema cum bile
Adrenergic amines
Alkyl (unspecified)
Abrotanum
Abutua
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Aresaema (unspecified)
Asteracea
Aromatic acid (unspecified)
Atractylodes
alkaloid
Alpha acids
American Wormseed
Amor seco
Adsorbant
Blend (Combination)
Bentonite
Bermuda Grass
Bergenia Pacumbis
Bulking Agent
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
benzenoid (unspecified)
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Billygoat plum
Bitter Grass
Blackboard tree
Blend (Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical)
Brine
Buckhorn Plantain
Bear Garlic
Bur-Reed
Brown's Lily
Bile
Blend (combination)
blend (herb/botanical)
B. brevia
Biogenic amine
Blend (combination)
Cellulose Gel
Casearia esculenta
Cinnamic aldehyde
Chickweed
Citrus (unspecified)
Common Plantain
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Carrot fiber
Coating
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Chinese Sumac
Calcium hydroxycitrate
Caralluma fimbriata
Carbon
Cha de bugre
Carlina
Citrus (mixed)
Cellulose
Citrus Unspecified
Catkin
Capsules
capsule
Colocynth
Clerodendrum indicum
Cambodium Cardamom
Color
Dihydrocapsaicin
DIVI-DIVI
Diatase
Duodenal Substance
Dragonhead
Delivery system
Erodium cicutarium
Embelia ribes
English Oak
Evodiamine
European Barberry
European-Five Finger Grass
Flavor
food additive (unspecified)
Fuchsia
Fern
Finger Leaf Morning Glory
Five-Leaf Cassia
Flavor
Fruit acid (unspecified)
Flavor/Color (Natural & Artificial)
Fumaritory
Goldthread
Garcinia
Ground Ivy
Glucomannan
Goldthread (unspecified)
Garcinia
Glycoside (unspecified)
Gymnemic acid
Gallotannin
Garcinia (mixed)
Garcinia Pedunculata
Glucomannan
Halitum
Honey Bee
Herbal Blend
Hydroxycitric Acid
Hemp Agrimony
Hoodia
Indian Madder
Ilex (unspecified)
Japanese Apricot
Konjac
Lodhtree
Luo San
Lysimachia
Lewis's monkey flower
Mountain Pepper
Myristicin
Marshmallow
Mountain mahogany
Magnesium hydroxycitrate
Maple
Macaranga indica
Nux Vomica
Neral
Natural flavor(s)
Oregon Barberry
Oligosaccharide (unspecified)
Osha
Orange essential oil
organic acid (unspecified)
Oregon Grape
Oleoylethanolamide
Pungent Principles
Plantain (unspecified)
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Plantago
Panax Ginseng
Pussy Ears
Potato
Panax Pseudoginseng
Proprietary Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total diet
Paris polyphylla
Pyrrosia
Potassium hydroxycitrate
Panax Notoginseng
Phaseolamin
Parsley
plant (unspecified)
Plantain
Pretty Face
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Prickly Chaff Flower
Pungent compounds (unspecified)
Plantain (common or English)
Polyol (unspecified)
Qunice
Rue
Red-Rooted Sage
Raspberry ketone
Red root (unspecified)
Red Pineapple
Rhapontic rubarb
Raspberry Ketones
Rapsberry ketone
Rhus coriaria
Rhubarb (unspecified)
Schizonepeta
Southern Prickly Ash
Spanish Needle
Savory (unspecified)
Smartweed
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
scallion
Sicilian Sumac
Spantholobus
Spice (unspecified)
Seasoning (unspecified)
Sweet Violet
Savory
Stellaria dichotoma
Scabrous Gentian
Sweet Goldenrod
Simmondsin
Sugarcance fiber
Servicetree
Tannin (unspecified)
Tea (mixed)
Thylakoid
Thymus
Taraxacin
Tamaricaceae (unspecified)
Tayuya
Tarrify
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Turtle Head
Thymus
Tannin
Tannates
Taraxol
Vietnamese sophora
Violet (unspecified)
Vodka
Wasabia japonica
White Kidney Bean
Water Pepper
Wild Bergamot
Winter Savory
