US Medical Term · symptoms
Excessive Hunger (Polyphagia)
Hambre excesiva
Also: Polifagia (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Excessive Hunger (Polyphagia) |
| Spanish (Español) | Hambre excesiva |
| Chinese (中文) | 過度飢餓 |
| Korean (한국어) | 과도한 배고픔 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đói quá mức |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Labis na pagkagutom |
| Portuguese (Português) | Fome excessiva |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | หิวโหยมาก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 多食症 |
What it means
Excessive hunger, or polyphagia, is an abnormally strong and persistent urge to eat, even after consuming a full meal. It is a key symptom of uncontrolled diabetes, where cells cannot absorb glucose properly and the body sends continuous hunger signals. Hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, certain medications such as steroids and antihistamines, and psychological conditions such as bulimia nervosa can also cause excessive hunger. When excessive hunger is paired with excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss despite eating well, diabetes should be strongly suspected and blood glucose should be checked as soon as possible.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I feel hungry all the time, even right after eating a large meal.
Tengo hambre todo el tiempo, incluso justo después de comer una comida abundante.
I've been eating much more than usual lately but I'm still losing weight.
Últimamente como mucho más de lo normal pero sigo perdiendo peso.
The hunger is so strong it feels like my body is never satisfied.
El hambre es tan intensa que parece que mi cuerpo nunca queda satisfecho.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R63 Symptoms and signs concerning food and fluid intakeRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026