Does your appetite increase when you are about to grow?

Last updated on March 10, 2022

Question:

During a checkup, the doctor said that I’m pretty much guaranteed to grow because my appetite increased a lot during the past five months. I basically went from eating 3 times a day to an average of 4-5 times a day, and that’s not even counting the snacks. My body fat pretty much increased by 3% from 17 to 20 percent. From what I’ve seen online and from what I’ve been told, once your appetite has spiked your body is pretty much gathering energy to grow. Is it true that when your appetite increases drastically from when you usually eat your body is pretty much-gathering energy to grow?

Answer:

Yes, just before growth spurts, a person’s appetite increases. However, please keep in mind that there can be other reasons that a person’s appetite increases that have nothing to do with growth. An increased appetite means that the body needs more energy. Certain diseases can put the body in hyperdrive and use up its reserves. Other diseases can cause the body to think it needs more reserves than necessary.

I assume you are in good health. Your current body fat percentage is in a healthy range. You are also still in adolescence, so the most likely cause is that you are preparing for another burst of growth. That growth may not all come in the form of increased height. In stage 4, there is growing due to the shoulders widening and muscles getting bigger.

Response:

Ah, I see. That makes a lot of sense. Now I get it. My shoulders did get a tiny bit wider, not noticeable, but a little visible when people stare. But I had a pretty built chest earlier because I used to work out.

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks.