Loss of appetite

• Aging: Appetite often changes with age. Older people may lack interest in food due to changing taste buds, dementia, health problems, medication side effects, or mental health problems. Sometimes elderly people eat less because they’ve decreased their activity level and have fewer caloric needs. • Anemia: Anemia occurs when there is an abnormally low level of blood cells. Loss of appetite and weight loss can both be signs of anemia, especially if these symptoms are combined with fatigue. • Cancer: Appetite loss is common among individuals with cancer. It may be directly linked to the illness, especially when associated with cancers of the digestive tract, like stomach or pancreatic cancer, but it can also appear with lung or ovarian cancers. Appetite loss may also be a side effect of cancer treatments. • Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes may not feel hungry for several reasons. Sometimes, diabetes causes a condition in which food moves too slowly through the digestive tract. Untreated high blood sugar may also cause high levels of ketones to build in the blood and urine. • Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism may suppress the desire to eat. It may also lead to weight gain, despite fewer calories being consumed. • Infections: There are a variety of stomach bugs that lead to appetite loss. A cold, the flu, or other infections may also affect a person’s desire to eat. When the infection clears, the appetite returns. • Medication: Although many medications may lead to decreased ...

You may have a reduced appetite as a result of an illness, psychological causes including depression, certain medical conditions, and as a side effect of medication. A decreased appetite occurs when you have a reduced desire to eat. It may also be known as a poor appetite or loss of appetite. The medical term for this is anorexia. A wide variety of conditions can cause your appetite to decrease. These range between mental and physical illnesses. If you develop loss of appetite, you may also have related symptoms, such as weight loss or malnutrition. These can be serious if left untreated, so it’s important to find the reason behind your decreased appetite and treat it. A number of conditions can lead to a decreased appetite. In most cases, your appetite will return to normal once the underlying condition or reason is treated. Bacteria and viruses Loss of appetite can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or other infections at any location. Here are just a few of what it could result from: • an upper respiratory infection • • • • a skin infection • After proper treatment for the illness, your appetite will return. Psychological causes There are various psychological causes for a decreased appetite. Many older adults lose their appetites, though Your appetite may also tend to decrease when you’re People who have this condition are typically Medical conditions The following medical conditions may cause your appetite to decrease: • • • • • • • Cancer can also cause loss of a...

Infections Certain bacterial or viral infections can cause nausea and/or a loss of appetite. These infections may be contagious diseases, such as the flu or COVID-19, or food-borne illnesses, such as Escherichia coli ( E. coli). Some common infections that can cause nausea and a loss of appetite include: Cancer Certain cancers, especially those located in the abdominal area, can cause anorexia and nausea. If you suspect your symptoms may be linked to cancer, talk to your healthcare provider for a complete evaluation and diagnosis. Types of cancer that frequently cause nausea and appetite loss include: Aging Many people experience a loss of appetite as they age. This may or may not be accompanied by nausea. There are several reasons this may occur. Physiological changes, such as changes to the digestive system, hormonal shifts, taste and smell alterations, and decreased energy needs, may play a role. • Notice times of day when you feel more hungry and try to eat what you can when your appetite is good. • Stick to five or six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals. • Keep easy snacks around for whenever you may feel hungry. • Try calorie and protein-rich beverages, like smoothies, shakes, and oral nutrition supplements, like Ensure. • Talk to a registered dietitian for more personalized nutrition advice. Movement Movement can be an excellent tool in increasing appetite and reducing nausea. Physical activity can improve your metabolic rate and aid in d...

You can experience fatigue along with a loss of appetite. You may also notice that food doesn’t taste good or that you feel queasy when trying to eat. Several conditions can cause this combination of symptoms. Fatigue is a constant state of tiredness, even when you’ve gotten your usual amount of sleep. This symptom develops over time and causes a drop in your physical, emotional, and psychological energy levels. You’re also more likely to feel unmotivated to participate in or do activities you normally enjoy. Some other signs of fatigue include feeling: • physically weaker than usual • tired, despite rest • as though you have less stamina or endurance than normal • mentally tired and moody Loss of appetite means you don’t have the same desire to eat as you used to. Signs of decreased appetite include not wanting to eat, unintentional weight loss, and not feeling hungry. The idea of eating food may make you feel nauseous, as if you might vomit after eating. Long-term loss of appetite is also known as anorexia, which can have a medical or psychological cause. It may be a warning sign from your body when you feel fatigue and loss of appetite together. Read on to see what conditions may cause these symptoms. Fatigue and loss of appetite are symptoms of several health conditions. The condition can be as common as the flu or a sign of something more serious like cancer. Often a loss of appetite can cause fatigue, especially if you aren’t getting enough calories or nutrients. Chr...

When you get stressed, your body reacts as if it’s in danger. Your brain releases chemicals, including adrenaline, that make your heart beat faster and slow your digestion. That can curb your appetite. This is called the fight-or-flight response, and it lasts only a short time. If you're stressed over a long period, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, and it makes you hungrier, especially for high-calorie foods. Many medicines can have appetite loss as a side effect. Some of the most common ones include antibiotics, antifungals, and muscle relaxants. Drugs that treat depression, migraines, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Parkinson’s disease can also affect your hunger. If you haven't been eating, check with your doctor to see if any of the medications you take could be causing the problem. When you’re sick, your immune system kicks into high gear. It releases chemicals called cytokines that can make you tired and not eager to eat. It’s your body’s way of telling you to rest so it can get the energy it needs to fight what’s making you ill. But eating a little something can give your immune system a boost. Try a bowl of chicken soup: Research shows that it helps with inflammation, and that can make you feel better. You’re supposed to be eating for two but don’t feel like chowing down? That’s because many moms-to-be battle nausea, especially during the first trimester. Although it’s called morning sickness, it can strike any time of d...

Anyone can experience a loss of appetite and for many different reasons. People may have less of a desire to eat, lose interest in food, or feel nausea at the idea of eating. Alongside a loss of appetite, a person may also experience In this article, we look at what causes a loss of appetite, what it means, complications, and how to treat it. Digestive issues may lead to a person losing their 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 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 Below, we look at the possible causes for a loss of appetite. Common causes Common viral or bacterial infections, such as Common short-term causes of feeling a loss of appetite include: • colds • flu • respiratory infections • bacteria or viral infections • • an • digestive issues • • • allergies • food intolerances • a stomach bug or gastroenteritis • pregnancy • hormonal imbalances • • medication side effects • alcohol or drug use 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 c...

A loss of appetite is a symptom that can have many causes. This occurs when you don’t feel hungry. The medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia. This is different from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. Identifying and treating the underlying cause of a loss of appetite will help you feel better. Overview What is a loss of appetite? A loss of appetite occurs when you don’t feel hungry or have the desire to eat food. This could cause you to: • Feel full. • Not enjoy the taste, sight or smell of food ( • Not want to have meals with others. There are several possible causes for a loss of appetite. It can happen suddenly or gradually over a long period of time. A loss of appetite is usually a sign of concern if it lasts for longer than a week. A loss of appetite can come with additional symptoms like: • • • Muscle weakness. • • Changes to your skin, hair or nails. What’s the difference between a loss of appetite and anorexia? The medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia. When you have a loss of appetite, you don’t feel hungry. Anorexia isn’t the same as the eating disorder What are the signs of a loss of appetite? Signs that you have a loss of appetite could include: • Having little to no interest in food. • Not eating your favorite foods. • Missing meals. • Changes to your weight. Possible Causes What are the most common causes of a loss of appetite? There are several possible causes of a loss of appetite. The most common causes are: • Physical changes to you...

Your response today was provided by ChatGPT trained on the proprietary content of this page. Please note, this tool is for information purposes only and not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice. You assume responsibility for decisions made with your individual medical situation. Eating is one of the most basic, essential human functions—and a constant desire. If you suddenly don’t have an appetite, if you are repulsed by certain foods, or if you’re struggling to finish a meal, it’s a sign that something is wrong. The problem could be as simple as a stomach bug that will pass in a day or two. But a lack of appetite for more than a few days can be a sign of something more serious, like a thyroid problem, cancer, or a mental health issue like stress or depression. Certain medications can also suppress your appetite. The treatment of a poor appetite or loss of appetite depends on the cause. Many mental health issues are treated with talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. But treatment varies if your decreased appetite is caused by conditions such as cancer, digestive issues, or thyroid disease. Eating is one of the most basic human functions. Therefore, loss of appetite rarely occurs for no reason. Many causes of loss of appetite can be treated, especially if diagnosed early, but prolonged loss of appetite can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, as well as a delay in diagnosis. — Dr. Chandra Manuelpillai What causes a loss of appetite? 1. De...

Loss of appetite and tiredness are symptoms that commonly occur together. A loss of appetite will cause a person to eat less, resulting in lower energy levels and fatigue. In most cases, This article outlines the potential causes of appetite loss and tiredness before providing a list of remedies that may help a person deal with these symptoms at home. Finally, it offers advice on when to consult a doctor. Share on Pinterest Mika Knezevic/Stocksy A person may feel tired and have little or no appetite for several reasons. Possible causes include those below. Cold or flu virus A person with a Different viruses are responsible for colds and the flu. However, these illnesses share some symptoms, including: • a • sneezing • chest discomfort • a • a • A person who has the flu may experience additional symptoms, such as: • • • Stomach viruses Certain viruses cause People who develop gastroenteritis may experience fatigue and a loss of appetite. Other symptoms typically • • • fever • a headache • body aches Most of the time, GI viruses are short-lived. If gastroenteritis is due to norovirus, it should resolve within Allergies According to the Drowsiness can also be a side effect of some Allergy symptoms • sneezing • a runny or stuffy nose • wheezing or shortness of breath • itchy eyes, nose, or throat • rashes • coughing • headaches • nausea and vomiting People who experience tiredness or appetite loss from allergies or antihistamine use should seek advice from a doctor on managing...

Loss of appetite or interest in eating are natural results of aging and can arise in the elderly. Age-related anorexia is estimated to affect 15% to 30% of older people. What Medications Can Cause Loss of Appetite? A wide range of medications and classes of drugs cause anorexia. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatments, including: How to Treat Anorexia The specific approach to treating loss of appetite depends on the cause. Cases of acute anorexia related to the common cold, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), and influenza often resolve without medical attention. However, medications, treatments, or lifestyle approaches benefit other causes of appetite loss. • Add calorie- and protein-rich foods to your diet. • Carry snacks with you and eat frequently. • Eat five to six small meals throughout the day. • Hydrate between meals. • If food is unappetizing, consider a nutritious beverage. • Incorporate physical activity. • Manage side effects that contribute to loss of appetite. • Manage your emotions. • Note when your appetite is best and eat during those times. • Snack before bedtime. Summary Anorexia is the clinical term for loss of appetite. Many health conditions cause this; it’s most often associated with viral and bacterial infections and chronic diseases. It can also arise due to mood or eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Terminal illness, cancer, cancer treatment, and certain medications can cause anorexia. Treatments include medications, therapy,...