It is common for adults to lose their appetite at some point in their lives. Although loss of appetite does not always mean it is a severe health problem, chronic or significant appetite loss can contribute to the worsening of your overall health and quality of life. Thus, it is important to identify the possible causes and know when to seek assistance in managing the problem.
Appetite is your body's natural signal to consume food for energy and nutrients. However, when you lose your appetite, you may feel disinterested in eating or struggle to consume enough food. While occasional appetite changes are normal, ongoing loss of appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and weakened immunity.
Let's talk about the reasons behind the loss of appetite, evaluating its seriousness, and practical steps that you can take to handle it.
What Makes You Lose Your Appetite?
Several things can go wrong with your hunger signals. Physical, psychological, and lifestyle causes can contribute to experiencing the loss of appetite. While often associated with minor illnesses or emotional states, temporary changes in appetite may be involved, but chronic appetite suppression is likely to indicate some underlying medical condition.
How Much Weight Loss Is a Concern?
Weight loss of over 5% of body weight within six months or over 10% within a year can be an indication of some medical concern. Unexpected weight loss accompanied by fatigue, weakness, or other health-related changes should never be ignored.
18 Reasons You May Lose Your Appetite
1. Infection
Acute infections, such as flu, COVID-19, or food poisoning, may temporarily reduce your appetite. Fever, nausea, or fatigue caused by infections typically reduces the urge to eat.
2. Medication
Some drugs, including antibiotics, painkillers, and chemotherapy drugs, may cause nausea or reduce your desire to eat as a side effect. If you suspect that medication is affecting your appetite, discuss this with your doctor about other options or changes.
3. Stress and Anxiety
These are two hormones, known to suppress hunger including adrenaline, which is released when experiencing stress and anxiety. Chronic stress usually breaks your eating habits and leads to poor nutritional intake.
4. Depression
Loss of appetite is another symptom of depression. People who are depressed find themselves being very indifferent towards food or lack the will to eat it, which might worsen their overall health.
5. Breathlessness
Conditions that trigger breathlessness, like COPD or heart failure, may make eating a struggle. This may cause an appetite drop and not sufficient calories.
6. Indigestion
Conditions such as bloating, acid reflux, or nausea triggered by indigestion can discourage individuals from eating. In some cases, medical evaluation of chronic indigestion may be required to investigate underlying causes.
7. Mouth or Teeth Problems
Dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, or ill-fitting dentures, can make eating uncomfortable or even toothache. This can reduce your desire to eat.
8. Nasal Congestion
A stuffy nose due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections can reduce your sense of smell and taste, which can make food less appealing.
9. Gut Conditions
Gut-related conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease can cause nausea, pain, and bloating, leading to reduced appetite.
10. Cystic Fibrosis
This genetic condition affects digestion and nutrient absorption, which can impact appetite. People with cystic fibrosis may require specialized nutritional support to maintain a healthy weight.
11. Gallstones
Gallstones can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and discomfort after eating fatty meals, leading to a natural avoidance of food.
12. Constipation
Constipation can cause a feeling of fullness, bloating, and abdominal discomfort, making you less inclined to eat.
13. Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause appetite changes due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Nausea or gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) may further exacerbate appetite loss.
14. Underactive Thyroid Gland
Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism, which can reduce hunger signals and lead to a decreased appetite.
15. Disruption of Senses
Loss of appetite due to aging, conditions such as neurological disorders, and infections such as COVID-19 make food less appealing to you.
16. Alcohol Intoxication
Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach lining, impair digestion, and suppress appetite. Long-term use of alcohol causes nutritional deficiencies.
17. Age
Usually, appetite decreases as people age, due to altered metabolism, hormones, or disease states. Older adults may also experience decreased appetite secondary to medication side effects or loneliness.
18. Long-Term Medical Conditions
Appetite can significantly be affected by chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, or liver disease. Fatigue, nausea, or side effects from treatments are common contributors to this phenomenon.
What to Do When You Lose Your Appetite
If you experience appetite loss, taking proactive steps can help restore your hunger and ensure you get adequate nutrition. Here are some tips:
Identify the Cause
Monitor your symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if the appetite loss persists or is accompanied by other concerning signs like weight loss, fatigue, or pain.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Eat smaller portions of nutrient-dense meals and do not force yourself to eat large amounts of food. This can help meet your caloric and nutritional needs.
Select Calorie-Dense Foods
Choose foods that have many calories and high nutrient intake, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and full-fat dairy. These can help keep your energy up despite serving smaller portions.
Hydrate
Dehydration can also inhibit appetite. Use water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks to keep yourself hydrated.
Flavour Enhancement
Try various spices, herbs, or condiments to flavour the food. A warm, fragrant meal might be more appetizing.
Treat Underlying Causes
Collaborate with your physician to address any underlying health condition that may cause loss of appetite, such as infections, chronic diseases, or side effects from medication.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress management techniques such as practising yoga, meditation, or even deep breathing can work in minimizing loss of appetite because of stress.
Seek Support
For loss of appetite caused by emotional issues like depression or loneliness, talk to a therapist, attend a support group, or discuss it with family members.
Conclusion
Loss of appetite in adults can be caused by a variety of factors, from temporary issues such as infections or stress to chronic conditions that require medical intervention. Identifying the cause and taking appropriate steps to manage the issue is key to restoring your appetite and maintaining good health.
If the loss of appetite is prolonged, causing a notable reduction in body weight, or associated with other symptoms that concern you, consult your doctor right away. Usually, the problem can be managed effectively if given proper care and attention, so you do not go malnourished.
Note:
The information provided in this blog is based on thorough research and is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or your doctor before using any products or following the tips mentioned here, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be worried about loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite is concerning if it lasts more than a week, causes significant weight loss, or is accompanied by fatigue, nausea, pain, or other symptoms. It may be associated with infections, hormonal imbalances, or psychological issues. Seek medical help if it worsens or persists.
What to take for a lack of appetite?
If there is a lack of appetite, then small, nutrient-dense meals like smoothies, nuts, or soups can be included in the diet. Ginger, peppermint, zinc, or vitamin B stimulants may help. Hydration and stress management are also necessary. Medical consultation should be made if loss of appetite is severe or long-lasting for proper evaluation.
Why am I so tired and not hungry?
Some people experience fatigue and loss of appetite due to stress, dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying diseases such as hypothyroidism, anaemia, or infections. Mental health problems like depression also result in these symptoms. If your fatigue and lack of appetite are persistent, visit a doctor to be diagnosed and receive the appropriate treatment.
What deficiency causes loss of appetite?
Zinc, vitamin B12, and iron deficiencies are the most common causes of appetite loss. These nutrients are involved in metabolism and energy production. Lack of them may cause fatigue, weakness, and reduced hunger.
What organ causes poor appetite?
The hypothalamus is the area of the brain that controls hunger, and problems with the stomach, liver, or pancreas can also cause poor appetite due to digestive or hormonal issues. Diseases affecting the gut health, such as gastritis, can also impact appetite and digestion. Consult a doctor for medical evaluation if symptoms persist.