If you develop loss of appetite, you may also have related symptoms, such as weight loss or malnutrition. 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. There are various psychological causes for a decreased appetite.
Boredom and stress have also been linked to a decreased appetite. Eating disorders , such as anorexia nervosa, can also lead to a decreased appetite overall. A person with anorexia nervosa undergoes self-starvation or other methods to lose weight. People who have this condition are typically underweight and have a fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa can also cause malnutrition. Cancer can also cause loss of appetite, particularly if the cancer is concentrated in the following areas:.
Pregnancy can also cause a loss of appetite during the first trimester. Some medications and drugs may reduce your appetite. These include illicit drugs — such as cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines — along with prescribed medications. Always contact your doctor right away if you begin to lose weight rapidly for no apparent reason. Treatment for a decreased appetite will depend on its cause. If loss of appetite is due to a medical condition such as cancer or chronic illness, it can be difficult to stimulate your appetite.
However, taking pleasure from food by eating with family and friends, cooking your favorite foods, or going out to eat at restaurants may help to encourage eating. 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 fatigue and weight loss if they are not eating enough food to sustain their body.
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 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.
Common viral or bacterial infections, such as flu or gastroenteritis , are often to blame for appetite loss. People with pain in their mouths, such as sores, may also experience a loss of appetite if it becomes difficult to eat. 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. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of many medications, along with other digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea.
If people 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.
These can include:. In the United States, a growing number of states are legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. This drug may not only stimulate the appetite but also improve a sick person's mood. Several naturopathic remedies may also help stimulate the appetite. While there is little hard evidence of their benefits, herbs, teas, and roots like these have been used this way for centuries. Even so, naturopathic remedies can sometimes interact with your loved one's medications, so check with their nurse or healthcare provider before adding any such product to the treatment plan.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Nutritional interventions for cancer-induced cachexia. Curr Probl Cancer. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Appetite loss. Updated April Nausea and vomiting. Updated July Mouth sores or mucositis.
Updated January Childs DS, Jatoi A. A hunger for hunger: a review of palliative therapies for cancer-associated anorexia. Ann Palliat Med. Curr Pharm Des. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
Therefore, eating more often may stimulate your appetite. Prepare food that smells good and looks good. This will make you want to eat more. Also avoid areas that have unpleasant odors as this will decrease your appetite. Avoid greasy and fried foods. Foods that make you feel gassy should also be avoided as these make you feel full.
Examples of gassy foods are beans, cauliflower, broccoli and carbonated drinks. The goal is not to feel full, but to nourish yourself. Make sure to eat with people and be social. People usually eat more when they are socializing and meal time is fun and enjoyable.
Use a large plate. This technique makes it look like you are eating less food, and makes the task of eating seem less overwhelming.
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