PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) don't directly cause hunger, but they can indirectly lead to an increased appetite.
Here's a breakdown:
- Relief from Heartburn and GERD: PPIs reduce stomach acid, alleviating symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
- Improved Eating Ability: These symptoms often make it difficult to eat large meals or certain foods. By reducing these issues, PPIs allow individuals to eat more comfortably and a wider variety of foods.
- Potential for Increased Food Intake: This increased ability to eat can lead to a larger overall food intake.
- Weight Gain (Potential): Eating more food than usual can potentially lead to weight gain.
In essence, PPIs themselves don't stimulate appetite, but by resolving discomfort associated with eating, they might allow individuals to consume more food, which could be perceived as increased hunger or result in weight gain.
