Recognize the signs
Is it just hunger when the hunger never stops?
Understanding hunger
Hunger is a natural and important feeling. When your body needs food, your brain tells you that you’re hungry.
But what happens when hunger never goes away? For some people, hunger can feel like a voice that has no “off” switch. A constant voice telling your body that you are hungry. The combination of constant hunger and obesity could be a sign of a rare condition.
What is hyperphagia?
When you feel constant, hard-to-control hunger that does not go away, it is called hyperphagia.
Hyperphagia (pronounced hi-per-fay-juh) can make it feel as if your brain is constantly saying, “You're hungry!” There may be overwhelming feelings of hunger. You may feel a deep hunger that can make it difficult to think about anything else—no matter the time of day, even if you just ate.
"She just can’t stop thinking about food. She says it really emphatically and often she’s telling me that she’s still hungry. She’s had a really big snack, but she just can’t stop thinking about it and doesn’t feel full."– Caregiver of a person living with hyperphagia
Actor portrayal
What makes hyperphagia different?
Typical hunger
- Feeling hungry in between meals
- Having cravings and increased appetite from time to time
- Eating past fullness at big occasions like Thanksgiving
- Eating to feel happy, when you’re bored, or during times of stress (emotional eating)
Constant, hard-to-control hunger (hyperphagia)
- Feeling hungry all the time
- Having continual thoughts about food
- Eating throughout any given day because you never feel full
- Eating to feel less hungry, but never achieving a feeling of fullness
Hyperphagia in children
Behaviors of children living with hyperphagia can also appear differently by age.
Young children
- Tantrums when food is unavailable
- Demanding or negotiating for food
- Waking up at night to find food
- Staying awake because of hunger
School-aged children
- Night eating, sneaking, or hiding food
- Difficulty concentrating at school
- Waking up at night to find food
- Staying awake because of hunger
Some children exhibit extreme behaviors, such as taking food from others or even eating from the trash. Caregivers have reported that they have had to lock the fridge or pantry to stop their child from overeating.
Hyperphagia in adults
Some adults with hyperphagia may have lived their entire lives without knowing they have it. In fact, many may just learn to live with it. It’s important to recognize the signs of hyperphagia to find the right help.
- Planning the day around food
- Feeling sadness, frustration, guilt, or anxiety when food isn’t available
- Waking up in the middle of the night to eat, or staying awake because of hunger
- Hiding eating behaviors from friends and family
Hear from others about what it’s like to live with hyperphagia.
“My daughter has told me a number of times that she just can’t stop thinking about food.”–Caregiver of a child living with hyperphagia
Think you or someone you care for could have hyperphagia?
Discover if the symptoms you or your loved one are experiencing could be hyperphagia.Living with hyperphagia
Living with hyperphagia can be a daily struggle—both for the people it affects and the loved ones who care for them. People have described feeling sad, frustrated, irritable, anxious, and guilty when dealing with hyperphagia.
“Every 5 minutes, she asked for food, or referenced food, or went to the kitchen to find food. I was swimming in the dark, not knowing what to do.”– Mom of a child living with hyperphagia
Watch Izzy's story, and her experience with constant hunger.
Constant, hard-to-control hunger is not your fault.
One-on-one support,* including educational resources, are available - reach out to learn more about hyperphagia or other symptoms you may be struggling with.
Patient Education Managers are employees of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals and do not provide medical care or advice. We encourage you to always speak to your healthcare providers regarding your medical care.