Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Increased Appetite / Polyphagia / Hyperphagia – Symptom Evaluation - FAQs

FAQs

1. Which doctor should I visit in case I suffer from an increase in appetite?

You should visit your general practitioner or family doctor, who on the basis of several questions, will try to pinpoint if the increase in appetite is due to any abnormality. He may order specific tests and then refer you to a specialist.

2. How does a doctor diagnose what is the cause of increase in appetite?

A doctor will find out if the increase in appetite is associated with other features and try to pinpoint the cause, for example increased thirst and urination (as seen in diabetes), or tremors as seen in hyperthyroidism. Tests like blood glucose, thyroid function tests or stool test for suspected worms will be ordered based on the underlying symptoms. Treatment of the underlying disorder usually controls the increased appetite.

Advertisement

3. Does an increase in appetite result in weight gain?

In some cases like Kleine-Levin Syndrome, the increase in appetite results in weight gain. In other cases, where the metabolic rate is also increased like hyperthyroidism, the weight may not be changed and in fact may decrease despite the increase in appetite.


Advertisement

Home

Consult

e-Book

Articles

News

Calculators

Drugs

Directories

Education