What Causes Increased Appetite At Night In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Mon, 7 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 7 Nov 2016 Answered on

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 80 years old, about 5-5, and weigh about 150lbs. My "health" problem is I have a strong appetite at nite?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi, each of us has a pattern of eating, sleeping and working.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, each of us has a pattern of eating, sleeping and working. If you feel good after eating well at night, there is no cause for worry. Your BMI is a little above normal but at your age it is OK.
If this is a new symptom, check out whether there is a long gap between noon meal and dinner. Maybe an evening snack will help?--regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (2 hours later)

This only started a few weeks ago. Now I'm eating more than when I was a lot more active. When I was working full-time, played racket ball, etc. I used to get by with just a healthy breakfast, a late big lunch, and a lite snack at night. Now I need almost a full meal again in the evening?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hi, since it started only a few weeks ago--check your blood sugar

Detailed Answer:
Hi, since it started only a few weeks ago--check your blood sugar and look out for gastritis. These two causes can give a feeling of hunger even very soon after a meal. And it can also happen, when we have more time on our hands we do tend to eat more.

regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY