Which condition is characterized by excessive eating?

The condition characterized by excessive eating is known as polyphagia. This term refers specifically to an extraordinary appetite and is often seen in various medical conditions, particularly in cases of diabetes mellitus. When the body is unable to utilize glucose properly, either due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance, it can lead to a state where the body feels energy-deprived, prompting an increased appetite as a compensatory mechanism.

While the other options might be related to various physiological conditions, they describe distinctly different symptoms. For instance, polydipsia refers to excessive thirst, often associated with high blood sugar levels, but does not relate directly to appetite. Meanwhile, polyuria indicates excessive urination, also commonly associated with diabetes but focused on fluid loss rather than ingestion. Pruritus describes severe itching of the skin, which does not connect to eating habits at all. Therefore, polyphagia is the correct answer as it is the term specifically describing the phenomenon of excessive eating.