What does Polyphagia mean?

Polyphagia refers to excessive eating or an increased appetite. This condition can be a symptom of various medical issues, including diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, or even certain mental health conditions. Understanding the term’s meaning helps in recognizing its clinical significance, as it indicates that a patient may be consuming larger amounts of food than normal, potentially leading to weight gain or complicating existing health conditions.

The other terms listed in the choices describe different clinical symptoms: excessive thirst refers to polydipsia, excretion of large amounts of urine is known as polyuria, and low blood sugar is termed hypoglycemia. Each of these conditions has specific implications and can co-occur with polyphagia, particularly in metabolic disorders like diabetes, where symptoms can overlap.