Hyperphagia

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Hyperphagia is a medical condition characterized by excessive hunger and abnormally large intake of solids by mouth. It is one of the symptoms of conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Kleine-Levin syndrome, and certain mood disorders.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Hyperphagia can be caused by various conditions, including:

  • Prader-Willi syndrome: This is a rare genetic disorder that results in a number of physical, mental, and behavioral problems. A key feature of Prader-Willi syndrome is a constant sense of hunger that usually begins at about 2 years of age.
  • Kleine-Levin syndrome: This is a rare disorder characterized by the need for excessive amounts of sleep, (hypersomnolence), changes in behavior, and a hyperphagic phase.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The main symptom of hyperphagia is an extreme, insatiable hunger. Other symptoms may include:

  • Rapid weight gain
  • Stomach cramps
  • Food cravings
  • Eating much more than normal
  • Eating rapidly during binge episodes

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for hyperphagia typically involves treating the underlying condition. This may include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Hyperphagia Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD