Medically reviewed by Mary Ahern MS, RDN, RYT June 02, 2025| Written by Zenda Nel

Polyphagia: What’s Causing You Insatiable Hunger Pangs?

Polyphagia or hyperphagia is a medical term for extreme hunger where you’re not satisfied by eating food. This condition can lead to overeating, often resulting in obesity. The worldwide surge in obesity is of grave concern to the scientific community which has increased its research on the possible causes behind it, including hyperphagia.

There’ve been at least two international conferences where hyperphagia was defined as an extreme, unsatisfied drive to consume food. 

Researchers at the2nd International Conference on Hyperphagia put this condition in perspective through the following words: "… we see a sequence beginning with overeating/feasting and then moving on to eating in the absence of physiological hunger, loss of control over eating, binge eating, and finally the most extreme form of overeating — hyperphagia.”

Interesting fact: Hyperphagia is not a new phenomenon – between 1943 and 1914, the term"hyperphagia" appeared in 8,646 PubMed publications!

What Does Polyphagia Feel Like?

Hyperphagia does not feel like the normal need for food after not eating for a few hours. The overwhelming need to eat is persistent and is not satisfied by eating. The result is that the person constantly overeats.

What Causes Polyphagia?

Polyphagia is the central symptom of some genetic disorders like Prader-Willi syndrome, hormonal imbalances, and certain health issues. However, common lifestyle choices can also be behind this distressing condition. 

Excessive hunger that leads to excessive weight gain can result from the following conditions: 

1. Diabetes

Extreme hunger that persists may be a symptom of diabetes. The food that we eat is turned into glucose, which our cells use for energy and other functions. The glucose is transported to the cells by insulin — a hormone secreted by the pancreas. 

With type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin. And, with type 2 diabetes, it doesn't use insulin sufficiently. In both cases, the cells don't receive enough glucose to function properly. And so, the cells signal that they need more glucose – that’s when you experience hunger.  

Other symptoms indicating diabetes include excessive thirst and frequent urination.

2. Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia can trigger polyphagia as your body tries to restore sugar (glucose) levels. 

Low blood sugar levels may be the result of not consuming enough carbohydrates. Or, when your body produces more insulin than needed. Low blood sugar leads to the secretion of ghrelin– a hormone that stimulates hunger to make you eat more. Excess of it may lead to hyperphagia.

Some people are prone to experience a sudden drop in blood sugar levels after eating high-carb foods. These lower blood sugar levels stimulate feelings of hunger, leading to eating more after consuming the carbohydrates. 

3. Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid dysfunction is at the bottom of many body weight and appetite issues. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are responsible for controlling your body's metabolic rate – the rate at which the body converts food into energy. 

When too much thyroid hormones are produced, your metabolic rate speeds up. This causes you to burn calories faster – leading to persistent hunger and weight loss at the same time.

4. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs a few days before women go on periods. The symptoms and their severity vary from woman to woman. For some it's debilitating and for others, it can be mild.

PMS symptoms are the result of hormonal imbalances involving changes in estrogen and progesterone. This may also involve changes in neurotransmitters like serotonin –  which affects moods and emotions.

One of the pervasive symptoms of PMS is an increased appetite and food cravings, especially for sweet treats. An extreme case of PMS may be a trigger for polyphagia.

5. Not Enough Protein in Your Diet

A diet that lacks protein can lead to excessive hunger in several ways. It’s because:

  • Protein is filling and satisfying. It also helps regulate hunger hormones. And so, after eating protein you feel full for longer. 

  • Protein foods like meat and beans take a long time to digest. While the stomach is processing protein, there is no need for more food.

  • A diet lacking adequate protein mayincrease your appetite to prompt your body to obtain more protein. However, if you don't eat enough protein you’re likely to end up eating more carbs and fat. But these may still not satisfy your body.  

6. Low Fiber Intake

Fiber is also filling as it adds bulk and helps you to feel full. If your diet lacks fiber it can lead you to feel hungry all the time – food made with white flour is not satisfying. Think about those soft white rolls and buns – you can eat a dozen before you start feeling that you've eaten something. 

Fiber also helps control blood sugar levels. The body doesn't digest fiber, so itdoesn't cause a spike in blood sugar. In contrast, refined carbs that lack fiber cause rapid spikes and dips in the glucose curve, which can trigger extreme food cravings and potentially hyperphagia. 

7. Lack of Sleep

One lifestyle habit that can cause excessive hunger and overeating is not getting enough sleep. There is a strong, undisputed link between sleep and well-being – with lack of sleep contributing to weight gain in several ways. 

When you don't get enough sleep, it causes changes in the appetite-regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin. Studies show that too little sleep causes a decrease in leptin and an increase in ghrelin levels. These changes lead toan increase in appetite which may result in increased food intake and weight gain. The research shows sleep deprivation increases the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Lack of sleep also affects our ability to make prudent choices. One study revealed that lack of sleep leads to overeating and poor food choices. Too little sleep increases the so-called"hedonic aspect" of eating – that isthe guilty pleasure one gets from eating sweet or salty, high-fat snacks.

Sleep deprivation also increases the risk of insulin resistance. Asystematic review found a significant association between limited sleep, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. While the association between sleep deprivation and insulin resistance was apparent in many studies, scientists have not yet figured out the mechanism behind it.

8. A Diet Based on Ultra-processed and Refined Foods

Highly processed foods don’t feed the body as they lack nutrients found in whole foods. These foods are also not satisfying because they lack fiber. Examples of highly processed foods include:

  • Bread, buns, crackers, and pastries made with white flour. 

  • Breakfast cereals and instant soups

  • Ham and sausages

  • French fries, fried chicken, and doughnuts

  • Ice cream and fruit-flavored yogurts

  • Carbonated drinks 

Regularly eating such foods causes weight gain. These foods are digested quickly, causing quick spikes and drops in blood sugar levels – which can trigger hunger and cravings.

Astudy measured the impact of ultra-processed foods on weight by comparing it with the effects of a minimally processed diet. It was found that on days that participants followed an ultra-processed diet, they ate about 500 calories more per day than on the minimally processed diet.

9. High Stress Levels 

Modern life is stressful. Emotional and uncontrolled eating is often a response to high-stress levels in today's high-pressure, constantly on-the-go society.

Unfortunately, emotional eating usually involves unhealthy food and food cravings. One of the reasons for this is the increased levels of cortisol caused by stress. Cortisolincreases appetite and food cravings.

Keep in mind that the body can also experience stress due to a poor diet, lack of sleep, and too much caffeine and alcohol.

How to Treat Polyphagia? 

Wondering what you should do about polyphagia because you stay hungry persistently? Considering the factors contributing to this condition, here’s what you can do to combat polyphagia:

A) Medication

If the underlying cause of a polyphagia diagnosis is a health condition like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or premenstrual syndrome, your doctor can treat your polyphagia with medication. 

If stress is the primary cause of your overeating, it may lead to anxiety or depression, which can be treated with antidepressants, or antianxiety medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also be helpful.

B) Pay Attention to Your Diet

1. Increase Your Fiber Intake

Avoid refined carbs like white bread and white rice and replace these with whole-grain foods like whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, green veggies, and low-calorie fruits. This step will increase your fiber intake, keep you fuller for longer, and prevent overeating.

To boost your fiber intake, you can consider taking a high-qualityfiber supplement proven to provide various health benefits.

2. Concentrate on Whole Foods

As far as possible avoid ultra-processed foods. Instead, choose whole wheat bread, brown rice, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy, and nuts. These foods are nutrient-dense and provide everything the body needs to function properly. 

Because your body will get all the nutrients it needs from these foods, it won't nag you for more food by making you feel hungry all the time.

3. Make Sure You Eat Enough Protein

Foods high in protein are satisfying and prevent overeating by making one feel full after a normal helping. But when a meal lacks protein, people tend to eat more of other foods to feel full. Those other foods are often foods high in calories, such as bread or desserts.  

If you don't feel full after a meal, choose a larger portion of a high-protein food rather than a slice of bread or more fries.

You can also consider taking aprotein powder to boost your protein intake.

4. Watch the Carbs

While increasing your fiber and protein intake, also limit your carbohydrates, especially refined carbs. It’s because carbs are generally high in calories but refined carbs are bound to cause blood sugar spikes which causes extreme hunger. 

A good idea is to combine carbohydrates with proteins and healthy fats. Eating lean meats, fish, nuts, and avocados with high-fiber foods can help reduce hunger.

Uncontrolled hunger is not easy to fix. Consult a registered dietitian to help you customize your diet to suit your body's specific needs. You can also pick one of our planshere.

C) Lifestyle Adjustments

1) Find a Way to Deal with Your Stress

Of course, this is easier said than done. It's not easy to remove a stressor and simply walking away from a stressful situation is not always a solution.

Nonetheless, you have to find a way to at least relieve some of your stress some of the time. Here are a few simple suggestions that may be helpful:

  • Spending time on your own to reflect

  • Spending time in nature

  • Exercising

  • Taking a walk

  • Doing yoga 

  • Taking dancing classes

2) Ensure You Get Enough Sleep

The importance of enough quality sleep cannot be overestimated. If you are overeating and not sleeping properly, you can be sure that the lack of sleep is exacerbating your polyphagia. Steps to take:

  • Aim for seven hours of quality sleep every night. Consider taking a natural remedy or supplement to help you get uninterrupted sleep.

  • Find time to exercise or do some physical activity – preferably outdoors to help you sleep better.

  • Don't take naps during the day.

  • Try to go to bed at the same time every night. 

  • Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine at night – these habits tend to interrupt sleep.

Conclusion

Polyphagia is a complicated and distressing condition. It causes excessive hunger, extreme overeating, and obesity. Polyphagia can be caused by genetic disorders, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, sleep deprivation, stress, and dietary factors.

If you find that you suffer from an overwhelming urge to keep eating and you never feel satisfied after eating, we suggest that you consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and support to help you overcome this condition.