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Why Do I have Such an Enormous Appetite

08/16/2011

Question:

I am 20 year old girl. I am very athletic and just finished my freshman year of college. I am 5`7″ and 155 pounds. I am on the swim team and play volleyball as well. I have a very very large appetite, so big my friends think it is weird. I eat 6500-8000 calories per day. I have checked by two doctors. I have had a big appetite since I was little (but not that big of, course). I don`t really feel like anything is wrong with me but my appetite does seem abnormal and is sometimes even embarrassing – like when I stay with friends and seem to be trying to eat them out of house and home. I want to find out what is going on or if there are other people with this problem.

Answer:

It appears that your caloric intake is well above your caloric needs, even if you engage in exercise and sports. Excessive hunger above usual caloric needs may be caused by (1) physical disorders that affect the regulation of appetite, metabolism or blood sugar, (2) psychological disorders such as anxiety and bulimia, or (3) certain medications such as corticosteroids.

Please seek the advice of your physician to diagnose the reason for your excessive hunger. After asking about your medical history, medication usage and eating habits and completing a physical examination and blood tests, your physician will be able to determine the reason and potential treatment for your condition.

For more information:

Go to the Diet and Nutrition health topic.