Hyperphagia

Hyperphagia (also known as polyphagia) is an abnormally excessive desire to eat and consume food. 'Hyper' means too much or excessive and 'phagia' means to eat. An individual with hyperphagia never feels full or satiated and they keep on eating regardless of how much they have already eaten. In some cases a person may eat until they experience stomach pain or even vomiting.

Hyperphagia can be caused by damage to the hypothalamus. It can also be a symptom of diabetes, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Bardet Biedl Syndrome, and endocrine system issues. It can also be a side effect of some drugs. Not only can hyperphagia have a biological etiology but can also be an eating disorder caused by psychological reasons.