Causes of Loss of Appetite
Stress
How can one cope with stress?
Stress can lead to a loss of appetite and cravings for foods not normally eaten, but it is important to give oneself grace during this difficult time. As reported by Dr. Moore, a medical director at the Behavioral Health Department of Kaiser Permanente, taking steps such as eating regular meals and finding new ways to relax can help cope with the stress. Research from the University of Washington has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
What are some ways to treat loss of appetite due to depression?
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of depression, which can be caused by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness, as well as fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. Sourced from Buoy Health in 2021, this condition can be treated through lifestyle changes such as eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of rest, and engaging in activities that bring joy. Counseling or other forms of therapy may be beneficial for those suffering from depression.
Can anxiety cause a loss of appetite?
Anxiety can cause a loss of appetite in the short term, as confirmed by Psych Central in Jan 2022. This is because when stress and anxiety become chronic, hormones in the body can have the opposite effect and increase appetite.
Medication
What can cause a loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite can be caused by a range of factors, such as medication, stress, anxiety, depression, and other illnesses. As stated by Patient (Jun 27, 2018), many medicines can lead to a loss of appetite as a side-effect, while strong painkillers (opiates) have also been linked to this symptom. Research has shown that a poor diet may also lead to a decreased appetite.
What medications can cause anorexia?
Loss of appetite, or anorexia, is a common side effect of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy, which can also cause nausea, changes in taste and smell, flu-like symptoms, swelling, and pain. According to Verywell Health (2022), other types of medications can also lead to anorexia.
Loss of appetite is a common side effect of many drugs, with the most common being drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, agitation/irritability, memory loss and poor concentration. Mentioned in Medindia, there is a list of drugs that may cause loss of appetite. On Medindia.net, the list is organized alphabetically from A to Z. In addition, research has shown that certain medications can also reduce hunger hormones in the body, resulting in decreased appetite.
Illness
What causes a loss of appetite?
A loss of appetite can be caused by physical changes such as pain, dehydration, dental problems, an injury, a loss or reduction of taste or smell, and recovering from surgery. Attributed to Cleveland Clinic, these are the physical causes of a loss of appetite (2022). It is important to note that psychological issues, such as depression and anxiety, can also lead to a decrease in appetite.
What can be done to help regain appetite?
Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of conditions, including anemia, cancer, and stress, and it can have serious health effects. Via Verywell Mind, there are many treatments available to help people regain their appetite, including lifestyle changes, medication, and dietary changes. Keeping track of one's diet, eating smaller meals more regularly, and avoiding skipping meals can help to improve appetite.
Have you experienced unintentional weight loss?
Unintentional weight loss is often a sign of stress or a serious illness, and should be checked out by a GP. According to the NHS, it can be caused by a stressful event, malnutrition, a health condition or a combination of these things. It is important to note that unintentional weight loss can occur in individuals of any age and should not be ignored.
Aging
Can depression cause a loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of depression and can be caused by feeling sad, worthless, or hopeless, lack of motivation, fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. Buoy Health explains that it can also be accompanied by suicidal thoughts (2022). Treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications such as antidepressants.
What can be done to address loss of appetite in the elderly?
Loss of appetite in the elderly is caused by various medical conditions, medications, or medical treatments, body changes due to aging, and mental health impacts. Via The Geriatric Dietitian (thegeriatricdietitian.com), it is important to identify the underlying cause of the loss of appetite and to develop a personalized nutritional plan for the elderly. Studies have shown that incorporating frequent smaller meals, soft foods and liquids, and offering a variety of foods can help to improve the appetite of seniors.
Have you noticed any changes in eating habits or overall energy levels?
A loss of appetite in the elderly often results from physiological and lifestyle changes associated with aging, yet can also be a sign of a serious underlying problem. Consulting a doctor is the best first step to take if any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, or general lethargy are observed. As mentioned in the National Institute on Aging, this is especially true if the person is age 75 or older. Regularly monitoring diet and nutrition can help prevent a decline in appetite, which can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.
Poor Diet
What causes malnutrition?
Malnutrition is caused by a lack of nutrients, either due to a poor diet or problems absorbing nutrients from food. Attributed to the NHS (National Health Service), this can be caused by a long-term health condition that leads to a loss of appetite or disrupts the body's ability to digest food or absorb nutrients. Certain factors, such as poverty and limited access to healthcare and healthy foods, can also increase one's risk of developing malnutrition.
What can cause loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite can be caused by disruption to the senses, alcohol excess, or anorexia nervosa, according to Patient (Jun 27, 2018). Chemicals released by the brain such as leptin and ghrelin can also decrease appetite.
What can cause loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite can be a sign of various medical conditions and can lead to weight gain due to fewer calories being consumed. As reported by Verywell Mind, infections such as colds, the flu, or other illnesses can also affect a person's desire to eat. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to a diminished appetite.
Anxiety
How can anxiety affect appetite?
Anxiety can lead to a decrease in appetite, as it can impact how people think and make them less likely to eat. This was concluded by BetterHelp on their website in October 2022, and is backed up by research which shows that anxiety can cause changes in eating habits.
Anxiety can cause serious issues with one's appetite, leading to long-term anxiety outcomes. According to Calm Clinic's article on Anxiety and Appetite Problems (2020), individuals should work towards solving these issues in order to reduce their stress and anxiety levels. Research shows that this can be done by making changes in diet and lifestyle to better manage one's stress.
What can cause a loss of appetite?
A loss of appetite can be caused by various emotional and psychological factors, such as anxiety, eating disorders, grief, depression, stress, and underlying health conditions. An info from Cleveland Clinic, these can all contribute to a decreased desire to eat in individuals. It is important to note that certain medications can also cause a lack of appetite.
Unfamiliar Foods
What can cause loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite can be caused by various infections, including an upper respiratory infection and pneumonia. As reported by Healthline (April 29, 2019), these infections can lead to appetite loss, and other causes may include certain medications, emotional or psychological issues, and digestive disorders. Diet changes, such as reducing portion size or avoiding certain foods, may also result in a decreased appetite.
Loss of appetite can be caused by disruption to the senses, alcohol excess, anorexia nervosa, and the use of illicit drugs, according to Patient (Jun 27, 2018). It is important to note that the enjoyment of eating is enhanced by seeing, smelling, and tasting food.
Appetite loss can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, depression, dieting, and infections. As reported by Verywell Mind, this can lead to weight gain even when fewer calories are consumed. It is important to note that these causes can have various effects, such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Boredom
What causes loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite is caused by a variety of factors, including stress, boredom, and certain types of cancer such as colon cancer. Via Healthline (Apr 29, 2019), these are the main causes of decreased appetite. Research has shown that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can also lead to a decreased appetite.
Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of factors, such as short-term infections, psychological or mental health conditions, cancers and certain medications, according to Medical News Today. Lack of appetite can be a symptom of anxiety and depression. Eating a balanced diet with foods that are high in nutrients can help to improve appetite and overall health.
A loss of appetite can be caused by physical issues such as pain, dehydration, dental problems, injuries, a reduced sense of taste or smell, and recovering from surgery, according to Cleveland Clinic (2020). Medical conditions such as depression, hormonal imbalances, and infections can lead to a lack of appetite.
Poor Digestion
Can cancer cause loss of appetite?
A loss of appetite or unexpected weight loss can be a symptom of certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic, ovarian, or stomach cancer, according to Medical News Today. This symptom can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as depression and HIV/AIDS, or dietary issues, such as malnutrition or anorexia. In addition, some medications and treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause a decrease in appetite.
What can cause a loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite is commonly caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or other infections such as an upper respiratory infection or pneumonia, according to Healthline.com on Apr 29, 2019. Dietary changes, medications and medical conditions can also contribute to a decreased appetite.
Do you have difficulty feeling hunger?
Loss of appetite (anorexia) is a lack of hunger, which is often seen in people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Attributed to MSD Manual Consumer Version, these people may be hungry but restrict food intake or vomit after eating due to an overconcern about weight gain. In addition, a brief period of anorexia is usually accompanied by other digestive disorders.
Depression
Can depression cause loss of appetite?
Depression can cause loss of appetite, as confirmed by Hannah Hope, a UK-based nutritionist registered with the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine, on PsychCentral.com in 2021. Sleep is essential in managing depression and appetite, and it is also important to ensure that nutritious foods are consumed regularly for balanced nutrition.
Depression can lead to a loss of appetite due to anxiety-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and the feeling of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness. This was stated by Priory Group in their blog post on depression and loss of appetite, with real data showing that people with depression are more likely to have poor appetites.
What can cause a loss of appetite?
Loss of appetite can be caused by depression, difficulty breathing, and cancer treatments. An info from Patient, many different cancers can cause a loss of appetite, and many treatments for cancers can also lead to a decrease in appetite. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help to stimulate the appetite.
Source:
- Vogue : Stress, a Loss, Appetite.
- Patient : Loss, Appetite, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Patient.
- Clevelandclinic : Loss, Appetite, Causes, Treatment.
- Buoyhealth : 6 Causes, Loss, Appetite, It, Buoy.
- Www : Malnutrition Causes - NHS.
