Definition: Appetite refers to a desire to satisfy a need, such as consuming food. An appetite-related condition known as "hyperphagia" or "polyphagia" refers to being overly focused on eating or eating excessively before feeling full.
A noticeably increased appetite (excessive desire for food) can be attributed to some medical causes, including:
- Bulimia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Gestational diabetes
- Graves' disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Premenstrual syndrome
Taking certain medications and suffering from major anxiety can also cause one to experience an increased appetite.
Since increased appetite can be attributed to these causes, it is important that you notify your physician if you notice any change in your appetite level that lasts more than a few days or that cannot be attributed to a short-term illness, such as a cold.
Pronunciation: A-peh-tite
Also Known As: hunger
Common Misspellings: appitite
