An increased appetite can be a symptom of a need for more calories, such as during pregnancy, or a symptom of disease. Occasionally it can result from a genetic disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome. Drugs such as corticosteroids and tricyclic antidepressants can also cause uncontrolled eating. Eating disorders, such as bulimia, often include binge eating that is uncontrollable. Although some cases of increased appetite result in little or no weight gain, an uncontrollable appetite can lead to life-threatening obesity.
Mental Health Conditions
Bulimia, considered a mental health condition, usually includes a phase in which the patient eats uncontrollably before vomiting or using laxatives to rid the body of food. Bulimia is most common in women between the ages of 18 and 30, according to Medline Plus. Anxiety can occur at any age and can drive increased eating during periods of stress. Both conditions are treated with behavior therapy and medications. Another mental health issue that can cause uncontrolled eating is Night Eating Syndrome, or NES, in which the sufferer eats compulsively but only at night. The cause of NES is unknown.
Endocrine Diseases
Endocrine conditions such as Graves’ disease, or hyperthyroidism, and diabetes can cause increased appetite and lead to uncontrolled eating. Excess thyroid hormone production in Graves’ disease causes an increase in the body’s metabolism; patients often eat large amounts of food without gaining weight. Graves’ disease is treated with radiation of the thyroid gland or surgery. Diabetes is a metabolic disease that can result from obesity, and diabetics may eat excessively. Diabetes is treated with exercise, diet and oral medications or insulin injections.
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes a constant sense of hunger, usually beginning after the first year of life. The disease disrupts a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls hunger and thirst. People with Prader-Willi syndrome feel compelled to eat constantly. The disease causes severe food cravings and rapid weight gain. Children with Prader-Willi syndrome may hoard food, eat food from the garbage or eat food that is frozen without thawing it first.
Considerations and Warnings
An uncontrollable appetite or uncontrolled eating can result in obesity. People who are obese are at risk for other diseases such as cardiac problems, diabetes, sleep apnea, depression and high blood pressure. Children with Prader-Willi syndrome are prone to many of these complications and need early intervention to help them lead normal lives. If you feel you are unable to control your eating or think your child may have Prader-Willi syndrome, consult a health-care professional.
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