If you have a loss of appetite, it means you have a decreased desire to eat. It can be short- or long-term and happen for many different reasons.
There are a number of causes that may lead to loss of appetite, ranging from health conditions to certain medications.
1. Physical Health Conditions
Health conditions that can cause appetite loss are:
- Cancer, including colon and stomach cancer
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Dementia
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
2. Depression
While depression can lead to an increase in appetite, it can also cause a decrease in appetite. Appetite loss related to depression is due to low activity in the insular region of the brain, which is the part of the brain that monitors the body’s physiological state (physical conditions), including hunger signals.
3. Stress
While chronic (long-term) stress is generally associated with increased appetite, acute (short-term) stress is typically associated with decreased appetite. Acute stress can suppress appetite when the body enters fight-or-flight mode and produces catecholamines, which are stress-response hormones.
4. Medications and Drugs
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can cause appetite loss as a side effect. Antibiotics can also lead to appetite loss since they disrupt the makeup of the gut microbiome, or the community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live inside the gut. The disruption can influence appetite regulation.
Stimulant drugs that suppress appetite, such as amphetamines (speed) and cocaine, can also cause a loss of appetite.
5. Age
Loss of appetite is common in older adults. This is because as people age, appetite levels can become impaired because of changes in the digestive system, hormones, and energy levels. Disease, pain, and changes to the senses (smell, taste, and vision) can also contribute to the appetite loss.
6. Pregnancy
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you may experience appetite loss due to morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting symptoms associated with morning sickness can reduce appetite and overall food intake.
On the other hand, research has also shown that some pregnant people eat more milk, meat, and eggs as a result of the nausea and vomiting during the early stages of pregnancy. Further study is needed to account for these differences.
The main symptom of loss of appetite is a decreased appetite. Other symptoms that may occur alongside loss of appetite include:
- Limiting your intake of food
- Significant weight loss
- Lack of interest in food
- Digestive issues, upset stomach, or abdominal pain
- Depression
- Poor concentration
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness or muscle loss
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods)
If your loss of appetite leads to a significant or unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds, see a doctor.
It’s also important to seek medical help if you experience appetite loss with signs of depression, an eating disorder, or if you are consuming excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol. A doctor can help you find the cause.
Your doctor may order tests to diagnose the underlying cause of appetite loss. This may include imaging tests, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, and blood or urine tests.
The goals of treatment is to increase appetite and treat any underlying health issues that may be causing appetite loss. Treatments for loss of appetite may include:
- Treatment or management of underlying mental health conditions
- Intravenous (through a vein) administration of nutrients to treat malnutrition
- Counseling with a nutritionist, a nutrition expert who gives dietary advice and counseling about balanced eating, meal planning, and lifestyle choices
- Talk therapy with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist (a doctor specialized in mental health)
- Admission to an inpatient or residential behavioral specialty program if loss of appetite is due to an eating disorder and other treatment measures are not successful
- A change to your medication dose or type if medication is the cause
It’s not always possible to prevent the loss of appetite. However, here are some tips you can try to keep up your appetite:
- Eat several small meals during the day.
- Focus on increasing protein and calorie intake. Liquid protein shakes can be a helpful option.
- Add a variety of nutrient-dense snacks throughout the day to increase calories.
- Plan meals the day or week before. It can be helpful to work with a nutritionist or team up with a family member to plan new and enjoyable meal ideas.
- Choose foods that appeal to the senses, such as foods that have a pleasant smell.
- Get enough sleep.
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
- Incorporate a form of exercise (even light exercise, such as a walk) before meals. This can help stimulate appetite.
Food is essential for providing you with energy and nutrients. If appetite loss becomes chronic, you may not be getting the proper amount of energy and nutrients. This can lead to complications like malnutrition, which is when your body doesn’t have enough nutrients to properly function, and significant weight loss.
Loss of appetite is when you lose the desire to eat. A number of factors can lead to appetite loss, including conditions such as cancer, an underactive thyroid, and depression. Certain medications, pregnancy, and older age can also impact your appetite. If you don’t take in enough nutrients because of your loss of appetite, you can have complications like malnutrition and unintended weight loss. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause and help get your appetite back up.
