Loss of Appetite Overview

Loss of appetite also known as anorexia is caused for various reasons such as stomach diseases, anxiety, depression and excessive stress.

There are many causes for the loss of appetite and anyone can experience it. Loss of appetite can be caused for many different reasons including medical conditions, mental health conditions, and medication side effects.

Alongside a loss of appetite, an individual may also experience fatigue and weight loss if they are not eating enough food to sustain their body.

A variety of mental and physical conditions may cause your appetite to decrease.

You may have a reduced appetite due to infections, some mental health conditions, medical conditions, or taking certain medications.

A reduced appetite occurs when you have a decreased desire to eat. It may also be known as loss of appetite. The medical term for this is anorexia.

If you develop a loss of appetite, you may have related symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss or malnutrition. These can be serious if left untreated. So, it’s important to find the reason behind your reduced appetite and receive treatment for it.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia is the medical term to describe a loss of appetite.

Sometimes, however, this term is used to describe an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa. If you have this disorder, you intentionally limit the food you eat to lose weight.

Anorexia nervosa can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, race, age, socioeconomic status, or other identities. It may lead to underweight, malnutrition, and life threatening complications.

If you or someone you know may be living with anorexia nervosa, consider speaking with a healthcare professional or contacting the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. They offer a daytime helpline staffed by licensed therapists and an online search tool for treatment options.

Causes of Loss of Appetite

A loss of appetite can be physical or psychological. It is often temporary due to factors such as infections or digestive issues, in which case appetite will come back when a person has recovered.

Some people may also lose their appetite as a symptom of a long-term medical condition, such as in the late stages of serious illness, including cancer. This is part of a condition that doctors call cachexia.

The medical term for a complete loss of appetite over a more extended period of time is anorexia. This is different to the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, which is a mental health issue.

Following are the possible causes for a loss of appetite.

Common Causes for Loss of Appetite

Viral or bacterial infections, such as flu or gastroenteritis, are often to blame for appetite loss. A person’s appetite usually returns when they start to recover.

Following are the common short-term causes of feeling a loss of appetite:

People with pain in their mouths, such as sores, may also experience a loss of appetite if it becomes difficult to eat.

Medical Conditions

Long-term medical conditions can cause a loss of appetite for a range of reasons that vary depending on the cause. Loss of appetite can be related to lowered immune system function, feeling unwell, and having an upset stomach.

Medical conditions that can cause a loss of appetite include:

Side Effects of Medications

A loss of appetite is a common side effect of many medications, along with other digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea. This is common when medications pass through a person’s stomach and digestive tract.

Medications and treatments that often cause a loss of appetite include:

If patients have recently undergone major surgery, they may experience a loss of appetite after the operation. This feeling can be partly related to anesthesia drugs.

Using drugs recreationally, such as cocaine, cannabis, and amphetamines can also cause a loss of appetite.

Psychological Causes

Psychological factors and mental health conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s appetite. These can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Panic attacks
  • Stress

Age

A loss of appetite can also be more common in older adults. This can be due to increased use of medications and changes in the body as it ages. These changes can affect:

  • Digestive system
  • Hormones
  • Sense of taste or smell

Certain Cancers

A loss of appetite or unexpected weight loss can sometimes be a symptom of certain cancers, such as pancreatic, ovarian, or stomach cancer.

Alongside a loss of appetite, people may experience the following symptoms:

  • Blood in the stools
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Heartburn
  • Stomach pains
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

If people experience any of these symptoms, they should see a doctor who will be able to find out the underlying cause.

Loss of Appetite and Serious Illnesses

A person should see a doctor if they are vomiting for more than a day and have a complete loss of appetite.

People with serious medical conditions may experience a loss of appetite that can be due to the illness itself or as a side effect of treatments, such as chemotherapy treatment for cancers.

Some people in the later stages of serious illnesses may experience cachexia.

Cachexia is the term for weight loss, muscle wastage, and general ill-health caused by chronic, life-limiting illnesses.

People with cachexia can get nutritional advice from their doctor who can help create a nutritional plan to make sure they get the necessary calories and nutrients.

A person with a serious illness should see their doctor if they have a complete loss of appetite for a day or more or any of the following:

  • Inability to keep liquids down
  • Pain when trying to eat
  • Irregular urination
  • Vomiting for a day or longer

Risks of Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite and nausea can be damaging to health in the long term. If a person experiences these symptoms for an extended period, they may wish to seek medical advice.

If nausea leads to vomiting, it can cause dehydration. Loss of appetite may mean that someone is not taking in enough fluids through food sources, and this can also lead to dehydration.

Staying hydrated is important for the body to function. If a person is feeling nauseated, they may prefer to take small sips of water regularly throughout the day.

Not eating enough can lead to weight loss, which can be damaging to health. Without sufficient nutrients, the body may not be able to work properly.

Feeling nauseated can interrupt daily life. It may make it more difficult for a person to concentrate at work or school. Nausea can also cause stress, worry, and other physical symptoms, such as stomach pain.

Diagnosis of Loss of Appetite

Your healthcare provider will look at all the symptoms a person is experiencing, and use these to work out the possible cause of their loss of appetite.

However, a doctor may examine a person’s abdomen by feeling with their hand for any unusual bloating, lumps, or tenderness. This can help them find out if a gastrointestinal disorder is causing a loss of appetite.

A doctor may also carry out tests to help them work out the cause. Tests can include:

  • An abdominal X-ray
  • Blood tests
  • An endoscopy, where a camera enables doctors to look inside the body

Treatment for Loss of Appetite

A doctor may prescribe certain medications to help increase appetite and reduce other symptoms, for example, nausea.

If depression or anxiety are causing people to experience a loss of appetite, talking therapies and sometimes antidepressants can help.

However, if your healthcare provider thinks a specific medication is a reason for a loss of appetite, they may be able to change the dosage or the medication.

Home Remedies

People may find it easier to eat several smaller meals a day instead of three bigger ones.

Aim to make these meals high in calories and protein to make sure the body is getting plenty of nutrients and energy. People may also find having liquid meals, such as smoothies and protein drinks, easier to take.

Adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings to meals may also encourage people to eat more easily. Eating meals in relaxing or social settings may make eating more enjoyable.

People can also keep drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Gentle exercise, such as a short walk, may sometimes increase appetite as well.

When to See a Doctor

A continued loss of appetite can cause weight loss and malnutrition. It is vital for people to find out the reason for their loss of appetite, as leaving it untreated can be serious.

People can talk to a doctor if they have a loss of appetite for a prolonged period. If they notice any unexpected or rapid weight loss, they should also see their doctor.

An individual should seek medical help if they notice any other symptoms alongside a loss of appetite, such as:

Summary

Individuals can experience a loss of appetite for a wide range of reasons. Some of these are short-term, including colds, food poisoning, other infections, or the side effects of medication. Others are to do with long-term medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or life-limiting illnesses.

Appetite loss often comes with feelings of fatigue or nausea. If a person is worried about a loss of appetite they should tell their doctor, also mentioning all other symptoms.

Treatments for appetite loss will depend on the cause. People may benefit from eating small, regular meals instead of three large meals, and liquid meals are often more palatable.

 

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