Numerous conditions or factors can cause an increased appetite and overeating. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, increased appetite, also known as hyperphagia or polyphagia, means that you have an abnormal desire to consume food. You may experience transient, or temporary, bouts of increased hunger and overeating, or your increased appetite could last for prolonged periods. In some individuals, overeating may not always result in excessive weight gain.
Graves' Disease
Graves' disease can cause an increased appetite and overeating. According to the Graves' Disease Foundation, Graves' disease, also known as toxic diffuse goiter, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland--a butterfly-shaped gland situated at the front of your neck--produces more thyroid hormone than your body needs. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition, which means that your immune system does not recognize your own thyroid gland and attacks it. Common signs and symptoms associated with Graves' disease include increased appetite and overeating, anxiety, irritability, sleeping difficulties, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, heat sensitivity, brittle hair, frequent bowel movements and changes in your menstrual cycle, if you are female.
Kluver-Bucy Syndrome
Kluver-Bucy syndrome is a rare condition that can cause you to overeat. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that Kluver-Bucy syndrome is a behavioral impairment associated with damage to both of the anterior temporal lobes of your brain. Kluver-Bucy syndrome causes you to put objects in your mouth and engage in inappropriate sexual behavior. Common signs and symptoms associated with Kluver-Bucy syndrome include overeating, inability to visually recognize objects, decreased fear and anger responses, memory loss, seizures and dementia. The NINDS states that Kluver-Bucy syndrome may be associated with herpes encephalitis and trauma, both of which can cause brain damage. According to the NINDS, Kluver-Bucy syndrome is not life-threatening, but there is no cure. If you have Kluver-Bucy syndrome, treatment may cause a slow decline in your symptoms.
Depression
Depression is a common condition that can cause you to overeat. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is a common but serious illness associated with prolonged feelings of sadness or melancholy. There are five principle types of depression, including major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder. Common signs and symptoms associated with depression include increased cravings for food and weight gain, feelings of sadness or unhappiness, irritability, decreased sex drive, agitation or restlessness, fatigue indecisiveness, back pain and headaches. Certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing depression, including being female, experiencing a traumatic incident as a child, substance abuse problems, certain medications and certain chronic illnesses.
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