unusually large appetite - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

RobH · 06-30-2003, 02:42 PM

I have an extremely large appetite, so large it is almost abnormal. I am 6'1" and about 205 pounds. I am not gaining or losing weight. I remember having a large appetite since high school and my mom says I did even before that. I have seen several doctors about it but none was able to find a cause other than to say that I must have a "high metabolism". I eat anywhere from 7000 to 10,000 calories a day. I know that is a large amount, but I am not a compulsive over-eater. I really get hungry for that amount. I can eat less for a while but I get very very hungry. It is sometimes awkward and even embarrassing. When I stay over at a friends house for example, I don't want to just eat, eat, eat them out of food but slipping out for a bite to eat can also be awkward. I want to know if there is a possible cause for this which could have been overlooked. I would like to know if anyone has heard of another case like me. Also, is there anything to do about it? I would also like to know exactly what is meant by "fast metabolism". I know you proccess food faster, but where is the energy actually going?
Thank you for anything you can tell me.

[This message has been edited by RobH (edited 06-30-2003).]

chopstix_gal · 07-09-2003, 12:31 PM

wow, you are really lucky or maybe have a health issue? but my guess is that if you had a health issue, you would be experiencing some kind of negative side effects which u are not.

personally i think if u can eat that much and don't have a health risk, then go ahead. however, i'd still be careful when choosing foods (not too fatty, sodium, etc).

if you want to curb your apetite anyway, drink a lot of water, eat more whole foods (unprocessed), stay away from white flour products, eat protein. protein does a lot for apetite control.

i have a huge apetite too, for a female

Janette* · 07-09-2003, 06:43 PM

Have you had your thyroid checked out by a doctor? Thyroid irregularities can affect your metabolism.

RobH · 07-10-2003, 08:22 PM

Thanks for responding,
I don't know if I have a health issue or not actually. I feel normal except for having a larger than normal appetite. My Mother took me to see the doctor about it around the time I turned 15. In high school it didn't bother me to much even though it annoyed my family sometimes. My Mom used to say we needed two refrigerators, one for me, one for the rest of the family. I also talked to a doctor about it in college. I have been checked for hyperthyroidism, paracites, and diabetes. People suggested to me that I have an eating disorder or just no self control, but I don't think I have a physcological problem. In college I sometimes tried to eat the same amount as one of my friends but it turned out I just needed to eat more than they did. By the way, chopstix_gal, other people have told me I'm really lucky but some tell me I should see a doctor! I do feel lucky somewhat but it's sometimes embarrassing to have to eat so much and to be hungry when no one else is. Eating protein works by the way, I often snack on beef jerky and it can allow me to go a lot longer before I get really hungry. I have talked to several doctors about this with no real results. I would like to find any way to really reduce my appetite - not just delay it.

englishkiwi · 07-11-2003, 02:38 AM

Good god! that is a lot to eat, it must cost your mum and dad a fortune to keep you going!! I must admit, you do need to sort this problem out as it will end up costing you a lot of money (if you think about it)... try eating loads of hot cereals, esp. porridge.... if you eat 2 big bowls that will fill you up - are you eating enough fibre?? My bf can eat what he likes too and never gain weight, but often he is hungry cos he just eats biscuits and crap that don't have fibre or nutrients... please post a sample menu plan