Symptoms ofhungercan be more than a reminder for our next meal.
Lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and medications can cause hunger.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment of hunger.
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Hunger is the sensation of needing food, while appetite is the desire to eat and enjoy foods.
Hunger can be an uncomfortable physical sensation.
Symptoms of hunger include:
Hunger is innate.
However, over time, many people may lose their ability to recognize the physical signs of hunger.
The calories required of the pregnant parent to support fetal growth and development increase.
What Medications Can Cause Hunger?
Several types of medications are associated with hunger and weight gain.
It’s important to discuss symptoms, including changes in appetite, with your healthcare provider.
Eating triggers nerves in the upper digestive tract that tell the brain to turn off the hunger signal.
This signaling takes time, so eating slowly allows time for the brain and body to feel full.
Eating more will not address the issue if hunger is triggered by an underlying lifestyle or medical problem.
Working with a healthcare provider to identify and understand the cause of hunger will help determine the best treatment.
Speak to a healthcare provider before drastically changing your lifestyle or medications.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Hunger?
Diagnostic tests will vary depending on your medical history.
A healthcare provider may take a blood sample to check your blood sugar or thyroid hormone levels.
Summary
Hunger is a complex symptom influenced by many factors.
Lifestyle, blood sugar levels, medical conditions, pregnancy, and medications can all cause changes in hunger.
There are various ways to treat hunger.
A healthcare provider can help identify the underlying cause and determine the best treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Hunger is an important cue that helps you meet your bodys needs.
Regardless of the cause, never ignore changes in hunger or appetite.
If hunger is due to pregnancy, dieting, or exercise, ensure you eat enough.
If it results from lifestyle or medical conditions, it is important to address the underlying cause.
There are some reported cases of changes to hunger, appetite, and excessive eating following COVID-19.
This is a rare symptom of acute-COVID-19.
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