Why am I always hungry?

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Matthew Hoffman, MD

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Emory University

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Most people are not always hungry. Just after eating, the body releases chemicals into the bloodstream and directly onto nerves that create the sensation of satiety, or feeling full.

There are many causes for an increased appetite:

Increased activity (exercising)
Boredom
Feeling sad or blue
High life stress
Mood disturbance (depression or bipolar disorder)
Oral corticosteroids
An eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia)
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

Eating low-calorie foods, sugary junk foods, or low-fat foods can make you feel hunger that’s more intense and comes on sooner after eating. Foods with whole grains, healthy fats and proteins are more satisfying, take longer to digest, and stave off hunger pangs longer.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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