Hyperphagia
Abnormally intense and persistent hunger that contributes to weight gain and requires clinical evaluation.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Hyperphagia is the medical term for an abnormally strong and persistent feeling of hunger that does not go away even after eating. It can be caused by hormone imbalances, certain medications, or genetic conditions and often contributes to weight gain.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Hyperphagia is characterised by excessive food intake driven by dysregulation of appetite-controlling hormones such as ghrelin, leptin, and insulin. It is a hallmark feature of Prader-Willi syndrome and can also occur secondary to hypothalamic lesions, certain antipsychotic medications, and insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. Differentiating pathological hyperphagia from behavioural overeating is essential for appropriate management.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Understanding whether your hunger is driven by biological factors or habits is key to effective treatment. At Accord Medical, Dr. Joseph Wang identifies the root cause of excessive appetite as part of your personalised weight management plan.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.