8 causes of increased appetite and how to manage them
The feeling of wanting to eat something, often triggered by the smell or sight of food, is called appetite. Have you ever felt that your appetite is greater than usual? This can have many causes, ranging from harmless to serious medical conditions. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind increased appetite and discuss eight causes that can influence it.
Table of contents
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What are 8 reasons for increased appetite?
1 – Lack of fluids
2 – Lack of sleep
3 – Use of medication
4 – Psychological factors
5 – Nutrition
6 – Medical conditions
7 – Increased energy demand
8 – Eating disorder -
Summary
What are 8 reasons for increased appetite?
Below are 8 reasons that go hand in hand with an increase in appetite.
1 – Lack of fluids
A lack of fluids in the body can often lead to an increased feeling of hunger because the body may misinterpret thirst signals as hunger when we don’t drink enough. This can cause us to eat more even though we may simply need something to drink. It is recommended to drink about 6–8 glasses of water per day (NHS, 2023). However, this amount can vary depending on individual factors such as climate, physical activity, and health status. Dehydration can be caused by insufficient water intake, excessive sweating, high temperatures, or medical conditions that lead to increased fluid loss, such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
2 – Lack of sleep
Getting enough good-quality sleep plays an important role for the human body and overall health. In the Netherlands, one in five people reports suffering from sleep problems (Pacheco & Singh, 2023). Lack of sleep can also affect our eating behavior, as sleep deprivation disrupts the hormones that regulate our appetite and can lead to unhealthy food choices.
- Impact of sleep deprivation on hormone production: Sleep is important for regulating our hormones, including those that control hunger. When we do not get enough sleep, less leptin is produced, which is responsible for making us feel full. Leptin levels rise during sleep, which reduces hunger. Sleep deprivation lowers leptin levels while increasing the production of ghrelin, which increases hunger (Egmond et al., 2022).
- Sleep deprivation and poor dietary choices: Lack of sleep often leads to poor eating habits, as fatigue can weaken willpower and cause people to reach for unhealthy snacks and larger portions (NHS, 2022).
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Longer waking hours and increased energy demand: Being awake for longer also means that the body is active for longer and therefore requires more energy. This can lead to an increased feeling of hunger, as the body tries to meet the extra energy needs through food. This increased energy demand can be particularly detrimental when combined with poor dietary habits due to lack of sleep.
In general, a sleep duration of 7 to 9 hours per night is recommended, although this range can vary from person to person. In addition to sleep duration, the quality of sleep is also crucial (NHS, 2022).
3 – Use of medication
Medications can have a variety of side effects, including effects on hunger and appetite. Drug classes commonly associated with appetite changes include corticosteroids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, insulin and other diabetes medications, and hormonal contraceptives. These medications can act in different ways — some act directly on metabolism, while others alter hormone levels or neurotransmitters in the brain. The medication groups have the following functions:
| Medication group | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Corticosteroids are medications primarily used to treat severe inflammation and autoimmune diseases. |
| Antidepressants | These medications are used to treat depression and other mood disorders. |
| Insulin and other diabetes medications | Insulin and other diabetes medications lower blood sugar levels. |
| Hormonal contraceptives (e.g., the pill) | Hormonal contraceptives like the pill are primarily used for birth control and can prevent fertilization. |
If you notice that persistent appetite is a side effect of your medication and it becomes bothersome for you, it is important to speak with your doctor. Together, you can discuss possible alternatives or additional measures (University of Rochester, 2024).
4 – Psychological factors
Stress often has a strong influence on our eating behavior and can lead to increased food intake. Under stress, our body produces more cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. This hormone increases our appetite for high-calorie and sugary foods to supply us with energy in challenging situations. Additionally, emotional eating is common, where people turn to food in response to stress, seeking quick gratification from items like chocolate, gummy candy, or chips. These foods, often rich in simple carbohydrates, provide only short-term satiety and can increase cravings for more food (Harvard Health, 2021; Cleveland Clinic, 2020). To interrupt emotional eating, pay attention to the following:
- Develop alternative strategies for coping with stress.
- Keep a food diary.
- Plan regular, balanced meals to prevent cravings.
Source: Mayo Clinic, 2022
5 – Nutrition
The way and what we eat also influences how hungry we feel. Below is an explanation of which eating habits or choices can lead to feeling hungry more often.
- Lack of protein: Proteins are essential macronutrients and play an important role in our diet. They have a strong satiating effect. Important protein sources include soy protein, beans, nuts, lean unprocessed meats, and dairy products (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
- Lack of fiber: Fiber helps slow digestion, which leads to a longer feeling of fullness. The recommended daily protein intake for an adult weighing 68 kg is 54 grams for a predominantly sedentary lifestyle (0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight) and ranges from 82 to 115 grams for physically active individuals (1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram) (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
- Too few complex and too many simple carbohydrates: Simple carbohydrates such as white sugar, white flour, and sweets cause a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar levels. This is because they are quickly digested and the sugar enters the bloodstream immediately. In contrast, complex carbohydrates like whole grains contain longer sugar chains and fiber, which promote slower digestion, allow blood sugar levels to rise more gradually, and provide a longer-lasting feeling of satiety (Cherney, 2023).
- Eating too little: When too few calories are consumed, the body does not feel adequately supplied with energy and sends hunger signals that prompt increased food intake. This persistent deficiency can cause the body to feel hungry all the time.
The table shows some examples of foods that are rich in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Reading food labels can help ensure a balanced diet. This allows you to check ingredients and nutritional information, particularly the amounts of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates.
| High in fiber | High in protein | Complex carbohydrates |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils | Tempeh | Oats |
| Peas | Greek yogurt | Sweet potato |
| Black beans | Cottage cheese | Whole grain bread |
6 – Medical conditions
An unusual, intense feeling of hunger can be caused by various medical conditions. For this reason, we explain some illnesses that can lead to increased appetite and how these conditions affect hunger.
- Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes refers to conditions in which blood sugar levels are permanently elevated. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin — a hormone necessary for transporting sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells. In type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disorder, the pancreas can still produce insulin, but the body’s cells no longer respond properly to it. As a result, the body cannot use glucose effectively and is not sufficiently supplied with energy. To compensate, the body sends hunger signals, which manifests as increased appetite.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): In this condition, the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), accelerating the metabolism. This means the body burns energy more quickly, increasing energy requirements — the body demands more food, and appetite often increases as a result.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a variety of symptoms that many women experience in the days leading up to their period. During this time, and also during pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations — particularly in estrogen and progesterone — can intensify feelings of hunger. During pregnancy, the body requires additional energy for fetal development, which can lead to an increased appetite.
- Mental health disorders: Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can affect how and how much we eat. Emotional stress may lead to increased eating as the body attempts to calm itself or improve mood.
- Cushing’s syndrome: A hallmark of Cushing’s syndrome is increased production of the hormone cortisol, which influences glucose and fat metabolism. The overproduction of cortisol can affect the metabolism, for example by altering blood sugar levels, leading to cravings and weight gain.
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2019
When should I see a doctor?
If you regularly experience an unusually strong feeling of hunger accompanied by other symptoms such as weight changes, fatigue, or changes in well-being, you should consult a doctor. This is especially important if you suspect you may be suffering from one of the conditions mentioned.
Do you want to get an overview of changes in your appetite without needing to schedule a doctor’s appointment?
In addition a thyroid test, which can indicate a possible overactive thyroid, Homed-IQ also offers a women’s hormone test and a blood sugar test. The women’s hormone test can help check hormonal balance, while the blood sugar test measures the HbA1c level — that is, the average blood sugar level over the past three months. A value that is too high may indicate prediabetes or diabetes.
7 – Increased energy demand
People who expend a lot of energy, such as athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs, often experience an increased sense of hunger. They burn many calories and therefore require additional food to adequately supply the body with energy. Appetite can also increase during pregnancy or the growth phase of adolescents, as the body needs more nutrients for development during these times. Such changes in appetite are normal and even healthy, as they reflect the body's needs. So if you have recently started exercising more, your increased appetite could be directly related to that (West, 2023).
8 – Eating disorder
Eating disorders can also be a cause of increased appetite. One example is binge eating disorder, which often involves uncontrollable hunger and excessive food intake that can be triggered by emotional issues such as stress or anxiety. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or the use of laxatives due to fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa, also known as anorexia, can lead to increased appetite when the body reacts to long periods of fasting and strict food restriction. In the case of an eating disorder, it is essential to seek professional help to effectively treat both the disorder and its underlying causes (Cleveland Clinic, 2017).
Summary
An increased appetite can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from hormonal fluctuations, such as those seen in hyperthyroidism, to dehydration, which is often mistakenly perceived as hunger. Lack of sleep and certain medications can also affect appetite by disrupting the hormones that regulate satiety. Psychological stress can lead to emotional eating, where people often reach for quickly satisfying, unhealthy foods. A naturally increased energy demand — such as during physical activity or growth phases — can also boost appetite. Additionally, eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa often involve altered appetite behavior, which in most cases requires professional treatment.
