Constant Extreme Hunger? how to help?

I experience extreme hunger where no matter how much food I eat, it doesn't make the hunger go away. I realised this was an issue when I needed to eat every 2 hours and was still hungry which has now increased to hourly and today eating at all isn't touching it.

I can literally eat 5 bags of chips (plain cooked in olive oil not seed oils), a full meal of veg meat carbs half an hour later, 1/2 pack of rice cakes half an hour later, plate of potatoes, eggs, bacon, chicken, and half an hour later feel so hungry again. That probably doesn't sound like a lot but honestly people are shocked by how much I eat and even with it all I don't gain weight.

Some times it's so bad I need someone to drive me to a restaurant at midnight and I have to order loads of food! It comes and goes, some days and weeks it's worse than others. Some nights it keeps me awake and I literally want to cry today because it's so bad and won't go away. Sorry if this post is all over the place, I'm really struggling with this right now.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to help this? I'm at a loss for what to do. Thank You

Hi thank you so much for your response. What kind of tests do you think they could do for this? I've also been diagnosed with CFS/ME, POTS, MCAS, Fibromyalgia, iron deficiency, osteopenia and potentially thyroid issue and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) (waiting to see doc about test results).

I used to have extreme hunger back in 2016-2017 which would fluctuate and come and go then it got a lot better as I got better and my health improved in 2018-2020. I had a relapse in early 2021, I've noticed that it's been going on since probably since 2022 but has just been getting worse and worse over time so now I'm just posting because I'm kind of desperate for it to go away! That's what makes me think it could be related to the infections because when I relapsed it came back again? But it could be potentially the PEI because that causes malabsorption, I don't know I guess I'm just trying to find something to make it stop and go away

First, it's no surprise that anyone would be able to eat multiple bags of chips or other junk food and still crave more. (The type of oil is irrelevant, when it comes to overeating. I'm aware of the debate about PUFAs and I'm not convinced, but that's a different issue.) I've heard interviews with Michael Moss (author of "Salt Sugar Fat" and "Hooked") and Mark Schatzker (author of "The Dorito Effect") on the topic and the food companies employ some serious time and money to increasing the palatability and consumption of their products.

Next, in alignment with what WalkingbyFaith wrote, if you've not already done so, I would seek input by a doctor. Integrative and Functional Medicine doctors might be helpful, depending on the one you get. But, I've also found them to be prone to some of the same misinformation as the general public. They're just people, after all. Plus, they also make money on tests, procedures, and possibly supplements (for those who sell them or have affiliate deals). So, some will be happy to run tests that patients request, even if said tests are based in limited or questionable evidence. Personally, I would opt for an MD or a DO, rather than a naturopath or chiropractor.

In my view, rice cakes are another junk food. They offer a few calories, but no real nutrition. In addition to having nutrient sensors, the stomach also has stretch receptors. These are two inputs to help the body determine sufficiency and satiety. The purpose of eating is for nutrition, not for fun or entertainment. Whole, unprocessed foods have different nutrient profiles than processed foods. Consider the amount of weight, fiber, macronutrients, micronutrients, and calories in whole, unprocessed foods versus highly-refined and highly-processed foods. Those two different categories impact the body quite differently.

With all that stated, how much water do you drink in a day? Also, do you drink anything besides water? If so, what do you drink and it what quantities?

When eating potatoes, how do you prepare them? What toppings, if any, do you include? I'm curious about potatoes specifically, since they are rated as the food with the highest satiety.

thank you so much for your responses!!!

I should have made it clear I don't have 'cravings' for certain types of food I am just hungry. The reason I eat packets of chips and rice cakes is because when the people who care for me are out of the house, I'm not able to make food for myself so need ready made food available. Those are the only packaged foods I eat, I would say 95% is fresh whole foods. I also eat a lot of fruit, nuts and seeds throughout the day, salad every day for lunch with eggs or meat and veggies every day for dinner with fish or meat. I eat a large portion of potatoes every day either boiled, roasted in the oven or fried on the pan, in between meals and have homemade muffins pancakes etc between meals too. Everything is gluten free, seed oil free, refined sugar free and low histamine. I don't use flavourings on my food.

I drink 2-3L of water a day and recently did a 24h urine collection for the cardiologist I see for POTS who said my water intake is ideal based off the results. I also drink raw milk, coconut water, smoothies with protein powder, nut milks with either turmeric powder or carob power, herbal teas and add mct oil and Manuka honey.

I've actually never mentioned this to a doctor before so I think I will do that! thanks so much

Also because you shared that link about insulin resistance - I just remembered...

A few years ago, I had very high insulin levels 2 hours after a meal (post prandial insulin test). So my doc said they thought this was 'hyperinsulinemia / insulin resistance' and referred me to an endocrinologist. I saw an endocrinologist who said that I don't have it because I don't have the symptoms or fit the picture. For example, I'm underweight with low blood pressure and normal blood sugar. She said people with that are usually overweight, with high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

I just trusted her and never followed it up so maybe I should do an up to date test for this? and see someone about it? because maybe I do have it? I don't know

I really appreciate everyones input, thank you!

“Glucose issues dont always have to do with extra body weight. Many pro athletes are diabetic. From team sports to individual and endurance sports. Glucose issues does not discriminate.”

Yup, Astroman.
My husband is type 2 diabetic and he is not overweight and exercises regularly (includes 15 mile bike rides and weight lifting)
His father also had type 2 diabetes

Sounds like yeast..

Gotta get off the process foods. Also sugars and simple carbs for awhile.

Oregano oil with meals. 10 days on 10 off for a couple of months.

Probiotic or Sauerkraut at bed to recover your gut biome. More often when off.