Loss of Appetite: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

 

There are many causes why someone might experience a loss in appetite. When you're not hungry, this happens. Anorexia is the medical term for a loss of appetite. Anorexia nervosa is not the same as this eating disorder. You will feel better if the underlying cause of your appetite loss is found and treated.

A loss of appetite can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons. These include illnesses, mental health issues, and medication-related side effects.

A person not eating enough food to support their body may also feel exhausted and lose weight in addition to experiencing a loss of appetite.

Also Read: Kwashiorkor: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

What is loss of appetite?

When you don't feel hungry or want to eat, you have lost your appetite. This might lead to:

• Feel full

• Food aversion is the inability to enjoy food's flavor, appearance, or aroma

• Not wanting to eat with other people

• A loss of appetite can have several of causes. It may occur abruptly or gradually over an extended length of time. If a loss of appetite persists for more than a week, it is typically cause for concern.

Other symptoms that accompany appetite loss include:

• Fatigue or a lack of energy

• Vomiting or nausea

• Weakness of the muscles

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Changes to your nails, hair, or skin

What symptoms indicate a decrease in appetite?

A decrease in appetite may manifest as one of the following symptoms:

• Avoiding your favorite foods

• Missing meals

• Your weight changes

Which elements are most frequently causing loss of appetite?

A loss in appetite can have several of causes. The most typical reasons are:

• Changes to your physical appearance

• Alterations in your mental health caused by emotions

• An underlying health problem

• A medication side effect

Physical causes of a loss of appetite

Changes to your body can affect your ability to feel hunger and could cause a loss of appetite. These reasons might consist of:

• Pain

• Dehydration

• Dental issues or discomfort in the teeth

• An injury

• A decrease or loss of flavor or aroma

• Recovering from surgery

Psychological and emotional factors that contribute to loss of appetite

Your ability to desire food and your appetite are influenced by your emotions. The following emotional factors may contribute to appetite loss:

• An eating disorder

• An emotional response, such as shock, sadness, fear, or grief

• Stress

• Depression

Underlying health conditions that result in loss of appetite

Your appetite may change due to an underlying condition. The following are a few common conditions that can lead to a loss of appetite:

• A common cold

• An infection

• Cancer

• Dementia

• Diabetes

• Food poisoning

• Liver, kidney, lung, or heart disease

• AIDS and HIV

• Hypothyroidism

Medications that causes loss of appetite

The medications or supplements you take to treat an underlying medical condition may be the cause of your loss of appetite. Common medication that cause a loss of appetite as a side effect include, but are not restricted to:

• Antibiotics

• Amphetamines

• Chemotherapy

• Digoxin

• Fluoxetine

• Hydralazine

• Opioids

Diagnosis:

To determine the potential cause of a patient's loss of appetite, a doctor will examine all of the symptoms the patient is exhibiting.

A physician may use their hand to feel for any unusual bloating, lumps, or tenderness in a patient's abdomen. This can assist them in figuring out whether a loss of appetite is due to a gastrointestinal condition.

To determine the cause, a doctor may also perform tests. Tests may consist of:

• Blood tests

•  Abdominal X-rays 

•  Endoscopies, which allow medical professionals to view the inside of the body using a camera

Treatment:

What is the treatment for a loss of appetite?

The cause of loss of appetite determines the course of treatment. To help treat your symptoms, your healthcare provider may perform certain diagnostic imaging or blood tests to find out more about their causes. Possible treatments include:

• Consuming little meals daily.

• Taking care of any infections, diseases, or underlying issues.

• Using medications that increase appetite, such as dronabinol, megestrol, cyproheptadine, and low-dose corticosteroids.

• Obtaining intravenous (IV) nutrients, which are liquid vitamins and minerals injected into your vein via a needle.

• Discuss your irregular eating habits with a mental health professional.

• Modifying your medication's type or dosage. This change will be made for you by your provider.

To help you control your eating habits, schedule a consultation with a dietician.
Following your doctor's advice when taking vitamins or supplements.
Seeing a dentist if you're experiencing dental issues or tooth pain.

Your appetite should return to normal once the underlying cause of your loss of appetite has been treated or resolved. After recovering from an illness, injury, or infection, get in touch with your healthcare provider if your appetite doesn't return to normal.

How can I resolve my loss of appetite at home?

At-home remedies for loss of appetite include:

• Consuming typical meals: These may be smaller than usual. Even if you're not hungry, try to eat small meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Eat liquid meals: It might be simpler to maintain your daily calorie intake if you're feeling under the weather. Select liquid foods such as fruit juices, soup broths, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks. For a liquid meal, adhere to your doctor's instructions.

• Eating bland foods: Generally speaking, bland foods are low in fiber and soft. They exclude foods that are fried or spicy. Dairy products, raw meat, potatoes or vegetables, breads, and crackers are examples of bland foods. You won't experience stomach irritation from these kinds of foods.

• Select foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein: Any nutrients you're lacking can be swiftly replaced by high protein foods, vitamins, and minerals.

• Plan meals with loved ones or friends: You can be more motivated to consume the nutrients your body requires when you have a support system during meals.

What side effects can a lack of appetite cause?

Malnutrition and weight loss may result from a loss of appetite. Serious health issues may arise if loss of appetite continues untreated. To survive, you must consume food or calories regularly. Your body's systems may weaken and malfunction as a result of a calorie deficit, which could be life-threatening.

Prevention:

It can be challenging to prevent appetite loss because there are numerous potential causes. You can lower your chance of losing your appetite by:

• Take care of any underlying issues

• Inquire with your doctor about the adverse effects of any medications that you must take

• Don't miss meals

• Engage in light exercise regularly.

References:

• U.S. National Library of Medicine. Several pages viewed (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000068.htm). Accessed 10/3/2022.

• Merck Manual. Loss of Appetite (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/loss-of-appetite). Accessed 10/3/2022.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy (https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms). Accessed 10/3/2022.

• American Cancer Society. Loss of Appetite (https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/eating-problems/poor-appetite.html?_ga=2.235213575.725966062.1544354609-1420211890.1541677920). Accessed 10/3/2022.

• Adult Advisor. Loss of Appetite (https://accessmedicine-mhmedical-com.ccmain.ohionet.org/patientEdHandouts.aspx?gbosID=249825). In: Patient Education Handouts. 2022.1. Nashville, TN: Change Healthcare; 2022. Accessed 10/3/2022.