Polyphagia or hyperphagia is an abnormally strong, incessant sensation of hunger or desire to eat often leading to overeating.
[1] In contrast to an increase in appetite following exercise, polyphagia does not subside after eating and often leads to rapid intake of excessive quantities of food.
It is frequently a result of abnormal blood glucose levels (both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia), and, along with polydipsia and polyuria, it is one of the "3 Ps" commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
Spikes in estrogen and progesterone and decreased serotonin can lead to cravings for carbohydrates and fats.
[5] Polyphagia is found in the following conditions:[6] Diabetes mellitus causes a disruption in the body's ability to transfer glucose from food into energy.