What would make a person feel constantly hungry?

Question

What ailments name any and all please. Besides fast metabolism : )

Thank you.

Answer 1

My aunt was extremely skinny until the doctors found a tumor in her middle brain. After they removed the tumor she no longer had the ability to feel full. She gained 200lbs in a year and died after about 16 months. Basically, when they removed the tumor the part of her brain that interprets the hormonal control of leptin was damaged.

Leptin is a hormone made by fat cells. It acts on the brain to reduce hunger and increase fullness. There are cases of rare genetic disorders in which this hormone is not produced. Studies have been done to show that an added amount of this hormone can be effective in reducing hunger.

It is also possible that a diet that is lacking fats or fibers may cause an increase in hunger. The body needs some fat for many of its day to day processes. A diet lacking fiber can lead to increased appetite du to the lack of bulk in the GI tract.

Depression may also influence one's appetite. Many foods cause a release of feel-good hormones that those suffering from depression may have a neurological need for.

If one is eating constantly and not gaining weight, then the possibility of a tape worm or other GI parasite may be a concern.

Pregnancy can also cause increased hunger. Of course, one should expect an increase in appetite while eating for 2.

If one is craving a certain food, it may indicate a deficiency in an essential nutrient. For example, coffee=iron, or fatty foods=calcium. (See 3rd source for a large list of food cravings and what they may mean).

There are many more reasons why one may feel hungry all the time, but these are a few of the possible reasons.

Answer 2

increased exercise, which can increase the body's food requirements
growth spurt. Just before or during a period of rapid growth, a person's appetite increases to ensure that the body has enough food to support this growth. This is common in infants and adolescents.
hormone imbalances. A high level of thyroid hormone, called hyperthyroidism or a high level of adrenal hormones, called hyperadrenalism, can cause excess hunger. Some women may have this condition due to hormone changes that occur during pregnancy or at certain times during the menstrual cycle.
uncontrolled diabetes. This is a condition that causes increased blood sugar levels which trigger increased appetite.
depression. This condition often causes a decrease in appetite. However, it can cause excessive hunger in some cases.
bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder that most commonly affects young women. This disorder causes short, intense periods of hunger that usually result in eating binges.
certain drugs or medications. The use of antihistamines, steroids, marijuana, or large amounts of alcohol can cause excess hunger. Withdrawal from cocaine or amphetamine can also cause this condition.
damage to an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. This is a rare condition.

Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.

Answer 3

I don't know of any ailments for this, but maybe it's the kind of foods you're eating. Maybe eating more carbs would keep the hunger away. Other than that, the only reason I get hungry when I shouldn't be is pure boredom.

Answer 4

I don't know of any specific diseases but maybe some type of hormone or chemical imbalance inside your body? That, or I have heard that when a persons body is craving certain nutrients and vitamins the person will feel hungry. Unfortunately, alot of times what the person eats isn't the nutrient the body needs. I would go to a doctor.

Answer 5

You may be eating to many empty calories and/or consuming food that does not provide the necessary nutrition your body needs to maintain homeostasis. Sugar laden soft drinks, fast foods, french fries, ice cream, candy, potato chips, or other snacks, twinkies, snowballs, hostess cup cakes: all the foods that nurture your sweet tooth, or your love for mickey dee's french fries. HIgh calorie foods that lack the nutrition your body needs, sugar, processed CHO, and just plain non nourishing stuff. Take a Multi Vit daily. They're cheap, and effective. Eat a lot of fresh fruit. There are so many varieties of beans, and they are so good for us, do some research to discover which ones you prefer. I eat meat. I love a nice thick fillet, chared on the outside and pretty pink on the inside. Shrimp, crab, sardines, herring, fish and chips, some of the best food you can consume. Find an informative, easy to read book you can refer to for finding answers. Bonn apatite

Answer 6

malnutrition, maybe

only meaning you are not eating the proper foods to make you feel full without overeating.

you may be the type of person that needs to eat 5 small meals a day and 8 glasses of water to get over that urge.

my second guess would be maybe you feel anxious about something and are a person that has oral fixation type personality. meaning you find comfort through your mouth, whether or not that is eating, chewing you nails, bitting on pins, anything you can put in your mouth.

Answer 7

There's a direct link between sleep and weight. When you don't get enough sleep, the chemical that makes you feel hungry increases, while at the same time the chemical that makes you feel full decreases, which is why we tend to overeat when we're tired.

Answer 8

Medication. If you're sick and taking medication, it might make you hungry all the time. Fast metabolism....well, that's probably the answer, so why besides it?

Answer 9

Pancreatic cancer or other diseases of the pancreas can affect your feelings of hunger.

The pancreas makes enzymes and other bio-chemicals that signal the brain to tell the body you are hungry, and helps with bio chemicals to tell your brain to tell you you are full.

When the pancreas is diseased, especially in the case of cancer, those chemical signals get shut off or mixed up and the victim will starve to death.

Answer 10

A stomach Ulcer