Some children have larger appetites than others but if your child is demonstrating a need to eat all the time, it could be the sign of a serious underlying problem. In cases of extreme hunger in children, you need to determine if the issue is psychological or physical. An examination by a medical doctor, along with some tests, should be able to determine the exact cause of the extreme hunger.
Significance
Hunger is the body's natural way of signaling that we need to eat. If your child is saying she is hungry all the time, it could be an indication of a more serious problem. An increased appetite or hyperphagia refers to an individual whose main desire and focus is to eat excessively before she feels full, explains Medline Plus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health. Overwhelming feelings of extreme hunger can be a temporary or long-term issue, depending on the child.
Causes
It is important to determine the cause of your child's extreme hunger. Blood tests, such as a glucose tolerance test or hemoglobin A1c test, can show if your child is suffering from type 1 or juvenile diabetes, which can display symptoms of extreme hunger. Type 1 diabetes can appear very suddenly and is due to the body no longer being able to produce insulin, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Other medical conditions can also cause hunger. Hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid produces too much hormone, and Graves Disease, where the immune system triggers the body to produce more thyroid hormones than needed, are two possible causes. Other than anxiety, fatigue and eye irritation, thyroid disorders can cause weight loss despite the overwhelming feeling of hunger.
If your child is taking steroid medicines or certain antidepressants, his appetite may also increase.
Extreme anxiety or depression can also lead to overeating or binge eating, which can become compulsive as your child tries to cope with anxiety and turns to food as a self-soother.
Symptoms
You may see signs of your child being extremely hungry if she asks or begs for more food after she has already cleared her plate. In some cases of compulsive eating, she may ravenously eat her food and demand more. It may seem to her like she cannot eat enough food to feel full or satisfied.
Solution
Most medical conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, can be treated with medications, such as glucophage and or insulin. Once blood sugar levels are regulated and controlled, your child's appetite should return to normal. He should pursue a healthier, manageable diet that includes lean meats, grains and vegetables. HelpGuide.org suggests seeking help for binge eating if there is no real medical cause. A team of nutritionists, psychiatrists and therapists can coach your child through dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy sessions along with mind-relaxation techniques. This may prevent an eating disorder from developing and help him learn to make healthy food choices.
Warning
As a parent, don't seek out the wrong ways to help your child cope with her extreme hunger. Avoid withholding food or using over-the-counter appetite suppressants. Withholding food can cause the hunger to get worse and may lead to an eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia. Appetite suppressants should only be used if prescribed exclusively by her doctor.
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