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| Definition: | Hunger is a desire for food and is normal. Hyperphagia and polyphagia refer to eating to the point of being focused only on eating (gluttony), or excessive eating before feeling full. These can be symptoms of various disorders.
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| Alternative Names: | Hyperphagia; Increased appetite; Hunger; Excessive hunger; Polyphagia
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| Considerations: | Both psychological and endocrine (gland) disorders can cause this symptom, which is fairly common.
Polyphagia can be intermittent or persistent and depending on the cause. It may or may not result in weight gain.
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Review Date: 2/6/2002
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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