Prevention is often not possible. Avoiding the drug can prevent cases due to drug abuse. Taking medications as prescribed and checking blood sugars regularly can prevent some cases due to diabetes.
Some people with excessive hunger may gain weight. Others may lose weight in spite of eating more. This is the case for people with hyperthyroidism. Other long-term effects are related to the cause of the problem. Growth spurts in children and normal and have no long-term effects. Depression may result in an inability to work or interact with others. It sometimes leads people to commit suicide. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to many bodily organs and even death.
Excessive hunger is not contagious and poses no risks to others.