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I'm always hungry, is that normal?
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General Health
Question #20869
194 days ago
429

I'm always hungry, is that normal?

Naffre

Hello I lost about 4 kg in 3 weeks, and I sometimes skipped meals. At one point, I gradually developed an extreme hunger that lasted all day, which was briefly relieved after meals, or sometimes not at all. It calmed down when I slept and sometimes when I drank, and returned when I woke up, continuing throughout the day with constantly varying intensity. At the time, I thought it might be gastritis since I had stomach pains and frequent belching. I also lost my sense of thirst. My doctor then prescribed Nexium and Gavisconpro. However, I am now on day 8 of 15 of the treatment, and I still have this extreme hunger that is gnawing at me. It's worth noting that seeing or thinking about food makes it worse. I also have a lot of cravings for sweets lately. Could this hunger be due to the weight loss? How can I get rid of it? Should I continue my treatment for the potential gastritis? I feel like I can't do it and I don't know what to do. Thank you so much for your help. Naffre.

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Doctors' responses

Hello,

Rapid weight loss and skipped meals can trigger strong rebound hunger and cravings.

Gastritis/acid irritation can cause a “gnawing” hunger-like sensation, which may persist even during treatment.

Ongoing symptoms despite medication suggest the need for re-evaluation, not stopping treatment on your own.

Next steps Continue current treatment unless your doctor advises otherwise. Eat small, regular meals (don’t skip). Avoid long fasting periods and very sugary foods. Follow up with your doctor to check for blood sugar issues, H. pylori, or other causes if symptoms persist.

Thank you

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Hello dear See I doubt there seems to be some metabolic rate disorder There can be chances of diabetes or hyperthyroidism Iam suggesting some tests Please share the result with endocrinologist in person for better clarity Serum tsh Serum ferritin Serum rbs CBC Rft Lft Serum troponin Gfr Albumin globulin ratio Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Regards

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The persistent hunger you’re experiencing can be quite concerning, and given the context of recent weight loss, it’s crucial to consider a few potential underlying causes. Since you’ve lost 4 kg in 3 weeks and have the urge to eat more, your body is likely signaling a need for more nutrients and energy. Here are several factors to consider:

1) It sounds like your doctor suspects gastritis as a cause, which can indeed cause stomach pain and belching, potentially leading to increased hunger. The treatment prescribed (Nexium and Gaviscon) is typically used to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining. Despite being on day 8 of treatment, it might take the full course or even longer in some cases to notice substantial relief of symptoms. But if you don’t find improvement, or if symptoms worsen, follow up with your healthcare provider to reassess the diagnosis and treatment plan.

2) Your loss of the sense of thirst and increased cravings for sweets could be due to changes in blood sugar levels or other metabolic imbalances. It’s important to consider that these symptoms, especially combined with significant recent weight loss, could possibly indicate a condition like hyperthyroidism or even diabetes. A thorough blood workup, including thyroid function tests and blood glucose levels, would be recommended in this scenario to rule out those conditions.

3) The sensation of hunger despite eating might also stem from dietary factors; are you getting enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats that can help you feel fuller for longer? Meals rich in these components, along with adequate hydration, can sometimes help stabilize your hunger cues.

Overall, continue with the current treatment as advised by your doctor, but make sure to follow up if there’s no notable improvement. Keeping track of any additional symptoms, changes in appetite, or anything unusual might offer further clues for your doctor. You should make a follow-up appointment soon to explore whether other tests or a referral to a specialist like a gastroenterologist might be appropriate. If any new symptoms arise, like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when unexpected symptoms persist.

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