What Is Polyphagia?

Polyphagia, also known as hyperphagia, is a feeling of extreme, insatiable hunger. It's a common sign of diabetes, but can have other causes. Symptoms include overeating, eating more frequently than usual, feeling unsatisfied even after eating a full meal, and waking up hungry in the middle of the night.

Treatments for polyphagia include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause. Common drug types used to treat polyphagia include insulin antagonists, antithyroid drugs, antidepressants, and antianxiety medications.