5 Reasons Why You May Have Lost Your Appetite

Loss of appetite is a broad term that may be different for each person, but is generally defined as not having the same desire to eat as you normally do. This change could come on suddenly and be caused by something obvious, like a stomach virus, or it could be due to a number of things that are less direct.

If you have lost your appetite, you may have unintentional weight loss, a general loss of hunger, and you may feel nauseous at the thought of eating food.

5 Reasons Why You May Have Lost Your Appetite

Is loss of appetite normal?

Short-term loss is common when fighting infections or in times of sudden stress. But longer periods of unexplained loss may indicate a more serious health condition and should be discussed with a medical professional.

Common causes of loss of appetite

It can be temporary or long-term depending on the cause. Here we tell you the common causes to consider.

Certain medications

You can lose your appetite by fighting an infection, and certain medications can make symptoms worse. Medicines like digoxin, fluoxetine, quinidine, and hydralazine can cause loss of appetite in some people.

It is always important to discuss sudden changes in appetite, especially if they are prolonged and lead to unwanted weight loss, with your doctor. Adjusting your medications may be necessary, and strategies to increase appetite may be warranted in more severe cases.

Chronic pain

Loss of appetite is a common symptom experienced by people suffering from chronic pain. Conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and nerve damage can affect appetite.

It’s also important to note that some commonly prescribed pain medications can interfere with hunger. If you suffer from a chronic pain condition and have loss of appetite and weight loss, it is important to discuss strategies to reduce these symptoms with your doctor.

Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome cause loss of appetite? Loss of appetite is not among the main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, cramps, and abdominal pain), but some people may experience decreased appetite due to pain experienced during an IBS outbreak.

Cancer

According to the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), loss of appetite can be caused by the following in people diagnosed with cancer:

  • Cancer of the abdomen, which can cause bloating, irritation, and pain.
  • An enlarged spleen or liver, causing additional pressure on the stomach and creating a feeling of satiety.
  • Medications, including chemotherapy and other medications.
  • Radiotherapy or surgery on the gastrointestinal organs.
  • Changes in metabolism due to cancer progression.

Stress

Stress can also be a factor in loss of appetite. Stress can cause some people to ignore hunger signals, which can lead to skipping meals for long periods of time.

If you notice a sudden drop in appetite and don’t have other underlying health conditions, managing your stress can be a way to get your desire back to normal. Things like regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and meditation can help.

Psychological disorders

Appetite and weight changes are common in depressed people, since many of the brain regions that deal with appetite have links to depression.

In fact, a study, published in April 2016 in The American Journal of Psychiatry, found that depressed people showed reduced activation in the midbrain region, reducing hunger.

Other psychological conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety have also been associated with a loss of desire to eat.

Serious eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia affect a person’s appetite and relationship with food. If you or a loved one has an eating disorder, it is important to seek help from a medical professional to ensure proper treatment.

Can dehydration cause loss of appetite?

Lack of appetite is not a characteristic symptom of dehydration. Signs of dehydration can include:

  • Be extreme
  • Less frequent urination
  • Dark colored urine
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion

What to do when you lose the desire to eat?

Treatment for hunger loss generally includes instituting flexible meal times, incorporating favorite foods, and improving the taste and palatability of meals.

ASCO recommends the following to ensure proper nutrition:

  • Determine the hours of the day you are most hungry and organize meals around those times.
  • Keep favorite foods available for snacks.
  • Eat five to six small meals a day and allow yourself to snack when you are hungry.
  • Eat nutrient-dense foods that are high in calories and protein. Choices like yogurt, cheese, nuts, and nut butters contain vitamins, minerals, and protein.
  • Add sauces, butter, whole dairy products, and nut butters to dishes to increase calories.
  • Drink fluids between meals rather than during to keep the feeling of satiety at bay.
  • Eat in social settings to encourage pleasant meals.
  • If the smell of food causes a nauseating response, eat foods that are cold or at room temperature to reduce the smell of food.